Workplace Injury Statistics, Causes, and Workers' Compensation Information
Browse workplace injury data
The leading causes of workplace hospitalization, per OSHA.
| Rank | Name | Hospitalizations | Annual Avg | Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fractures | 33,729 | 3,173 | ||
| 2 | Amputations and Crush Injuries | 27,837 | 2,645 | ||
| 3 | Cuts and Lacerations | 6,313 | 601 | ||
| 4 | Intracranial Injuries | 3,571 | 339 | ||
| 5 | Thermal Burns | 3,393 | 321 | ||
| 6 | Heat and Light Injuries | 2,576 | 239 | ||
| 7 | Electrical Injuries | 2,014 | 190 | ||
| 8 | Internal Organ and Blood Vessel Injuries | 1,641 | 160 | ||
| 9 | Bruises and Contusions | 850 | 82 | ||
| 10 | Sprains, Strains, and Tears | 809 | 76 | ||
| 11 | Chemical Burns | 740 | 70 | ||
| 12 | Dislocations | 577 | 56 | ||
| 13 | Gunshot Wounds | 355 | 33 | ||
| 14 | Hernias | 277 | 26 | ||
| 15 | Crush Injuries | 265 | 171 | ||
| 16 | Heart Attacks at Work | 156 | 16 | ||
| 17 | Abrasions | 123 | 12 | ||
| 18 | Spinal Cord Injuries | 70 | 7 | ||
| 19 | Chemical Respiratory Injuries | 54 | 26 | ||
| 20 | Cold Exposure Injuries | 43 | 5 | ||
| 21 | Poisoning and Asphyxia | 37 | 19 | ||
| 22 | Radiculopathy and Disc Disorders | 35 | 17 | ||
| 23 | Asphyxiation and Suffocation | 25 | 3 | ||
| 24 | Allergic and Irritant Dermatitis | 22 | 2 | ||
| 25 | Skin and Tissue Infections | 21 | 4 |
Data sourced from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Severe Injury Reports, which require employers to report all work-related hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about workplace injuries, workers' comp, and this data.
All data is sourced from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Severe Injury Reports. Under federal law, employers must report any work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours. This database represents the most comprehensive public record of serious workplace injuries in the United States.
Most employees who are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness are eligible for workers’ compensation, regardless of who was at fault. Benefits typically cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Eligibility rules vary by state, so it is important to report your injury promptly and consult with a professional.
After a workplace injury, you have the right to file a workers’ comp claim, seek medical treatment from an approved provider, and return to your job once medically cleared. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a claim. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. In some cases, you may also have a third-party liability claim against someone other than your employer.
The categories follow the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS), maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Injury Types describe the nature of the injury (e.g., fractures, burns). Causes describe what event led to the injury (e.g., falls, struck by object). Objects identifies the source involved (e.g., ladders, forklifts). Body Parts specify the area of the body affected.
Understanding Workplace Injury Data
Every year, thousands of workers across the United States suffer serious injuries on the job. OSHA's severe injury reporting system captures every hospitalization, amputation, and loss of an eye reported by employers — creating the most comprehensive public record of workplace safety failures in the country.
This data reveals patterns that matter for injured workers. Certain industries, equipment types, and job tasks carry far higher risk than others. When an injury stems from a recognized hazard or employer negligence, workers may be entitled to compensation beyond standard workers' comp benefits.
If you've been injured at work, understanding the data behind your injury can strengthen your case. A see if you qualify takes just two minutes — free and confidential.