Denver — Around 3 out of 4 small businesses have experienced workplace injuries this past year, and half of those injuries were preventable, results of a recent survey show.
Pie Insurance, a firm that specializes in commercial insurance for small businesses, surveyed more than 1,000 small employers (defined as those with two to 500 employees) about worker injuries. The most common injuries and illnesses reported:
- Mental health issues (22%)
- Slips, trips and falls (20%)
- Cuts, lacerations and punctures (18%)
- Overexertion and repetitive strain (13%)
Of the injuries considered preventable, the most common were slips, trips and falls (59%), followed by cuts and lacerations (47%).
Another major finding: Almost half of the respondents (49%) “admitted to improvising safety measures due to a lack of proper equipment, increasing the risk of accidents and revealing a critical gap in workplace safety preparedness.”
A survey report adds: “Interestingly, a correlation was found that those improvising more frequently also reported higher average lost workdays (both business and employee days) and higher annual out-of-pocket costs overall.”
Pie Insurance says small-business owners need to:
- Enforce proper equipment use and provide adequate personal protective equipment.
- Conduct frequent and engaging safety training sessions.
- Establish accountability and encourage workers to report safety concerns.
- Perform regular workplace safety audits and risk assessments.
“Workplace safety isn’t just about preventing physical injuries – it’s essential to both employee well-being and a business’ long-term success,” Carla Woodard, senior vice president of claims for Pie Insurance, said in a press release. “Our 2025 data makes one thing clear: Safety isn’t just a compliance checkbox – it’s a competitive advantage.
“Businesses that invest in proactive safety measures, from basic accident prevention protocols and mental health support to artificial intelligence-driven solutions, are not only protecting their teams but can also reduce costs and strengthen operations. The right approach to safety can create stronger, more resilient businesses.”
