Waltham, MA, September 30, 2026 — The share of workers’ compensation injuries by industry shifted notably as the workforce moved from the pandemic period into the post-pandemic years, according to a new WCRI FlashReport from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

The report, Overview of Workers’ Compensation Claims Composition: A Recent Perspective, examines workers’ compensation for injuries covering pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. It analyzes changes in claims mix by industry, age, gender, worker tenure, and injury type, as well as major cost components across these groups.

“This study provides a view of the composition of workers’ compensation claims across a period of significant change in the workforce and economy,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “Examining changes in the characteristics of injured workers and the industries in which injuries occur can help stakeholders identify emerging trends and areas for future attention or research.”

Among the questions the report addresses:

  • How did the industry composition of injuries change from pre- to post-pandemic years?
  • Which industries accounted for the largest share of injuries, and what were the most common injuries?
  • What role did worker tenure and age play in the composition of claims?

The study examines 8 million non-COVID-19 claims from injury years 2019 through 2024 across 31 states, representing approximately 83 percent of workers’ compensation benefits paid in the United States. Distribution and trends for COVID-19 claims are included in a separate table.

The report was authored by Olesya Fomenko and Karen Rothkin.

The report is free for WCRI members and available to nonmembers for a fee. Click here for more information.

About WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, Massachusetts. WCRI provides objective, high-quality research to help policymakers and other stakeholders make informed decisions about state workers’ compensation systems. Its diverse membership includes employers, insurers, government agencies, managed care companies, health care providers, insurance regulators, labor organizations, and state administrative agencies.