The widespread practice of working through injuries costs companies across the nation an estimated $150 billion per year, according to a recent report by O’Connor Law.

Healthcare and social assistance topped injury statistics at 471,600 cases, followed by retail at 334,700 cases and manufacturing at 326,400 cases, the data showed, with productivity issues occurring when injured workers cannot fully perform their duties yet continue to show up.

"Many workers hesitate to step away because their responsibilities are not easily reassigned," said a spokesperson from O’Connor Law. "In workplaces with tight deadlines or specialized roles, absences can impact project quality, delay completion, and strain coworker relationships."

Key takeaways…

  • Medical professionals often prioritize patient care over their own wellbeing, with hospital administrators and health managers creating workplace cultures where taking time off is viewed negatively.
  • In manufacturing environments, machine operators and process technicians frequently work through pain. Line managers and supervisors in these settings often set expectations that encourage presenteeism, especially when production deadlines are tight.
  • Teachers, professors and guidance counselors often lack adequate substitute coverage, making them feel personally responsible for their students' education continuity.
  • Construction and agriculture workers rounded out the top five professions working through injuries. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, common injuries across these sectors include overexertion, slips and falls, and contact with harmful substances.

Meanwhile, more than a third of U.S. workers get hurt on the job within their first year.

Thirty-five percent of workplace injuries happen during the initial 12 months, the data showed, resulting in over six million missed workdays. First-year injuries make up 32% of all workers compensation claim costs.

Claims with the greatest impact on injured employees and a cost over $250,000 are related to slips, trips and falls, overexertion, being struck by an object, motor vehicle accidents, or being caught-in or caught-between hazards.

The slideshow above illustrates the top professions for working while injured as selected by O’Connor Law.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.