Starting a new job should be an exciting transition—but unfortunately, the first year on the job is when many workers are most vulnerable to injury. Studies consistently show that employees in their first year account for a disproportionately large share of workplace injuries, underscoring the importance of effective onboarding and creating a culture of safety early on.

For example, analysis of more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims found that about one-third (34–35%) of all workplace injuries occur during an employee’s first year on the job, even though that group makes up far less than a third of the workforce. On the job injuries also contribute millions of lost workdays, 18.6 million to be exact, making first-year accident prevention a critical business issue.

Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Studies show strains and sprains are the most common injuries for first-year employees, followed by fractures, contusions, inflammation, and dislocations. What caused these harms? True to the national averages per year for any length of time, slips, trips and falls, as well as overexertion (like carpal tunnel syndrome) cause some of the most common workplace injuries in the first year.

Of course, the safety and health of your employees comes first. But it’s important to consider the cost to businesses when trying to reduce occupational injury. Some of the most expensive injuries overall are the less common or frequent ones. Amputation injuries were among the costliest claims, with costs nearly five times higher than the average claim. Electric shock and multiple-trauma injuries followed, and together these types of injuries represented just over 1% of total claims.

How to Avoid Workplace Injuries Year One

Making sure you put safety first at work is the key to reducing workplace injuries in the first year. Reducing that risk requires more than a one-time orientation, it calls for ongoing training, supervision, and support throughout the first year.

Here are some specific steps you can take to promote safety and keep your first-year employees safe.

 

Strengthen onboarding and early training

  • Provide role-specific safety training before independent work begins
  • Clearly explain potential dangers unique to the job and worksite
  • Use hands-on demonstrations rather than relying only on written or passive materials
  • Confirm understanding with practical assessments, not assumptions

 

Reinforce safety beyond day one

  • Schedule follow-up safety check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days
  • Refresh training as job duties expand or change
  • Avoid “training overload” by pacing information over time

 

Emphasize proper equipment and PPE use

  • Ensure correct fit and availability of personal protective equipment
  • Train employees on when, how, and why PPE is required
  • Replace worn or damaged equipment promptly

 

Encourage a strong safety culture for a safe workplace

  • Make safety expectations clear from leadership down
  • Reinforce that productivity never outweighs safety
  • Recognize safe behaviors, not just output

 

Address fatigue and workload

  • Avoid excessive overtime or physically demanding schedules early on
  • Monitor fatigue, especially in physically intensive roles
  • Allow adequate rest and recovery time

 

Improve communication and reporting

  • Train employees on how and when to report hazards or near misses
  • Encourage early reporting without fear of discipline
  • Act promptly on reported safety concerns

 

Conduct regular safety audits and observations

  • Perform routine inspections of tools, equipment, and worksites
  • Watch how new employees perform tasks—not just how they were trained
  • Correct unsafe practices early before they become habits

 

Integrate ergonomics early

  • Train employees on proper lifting, posture, and movement
  • Adjust workstations and tools to fit the worker
  • Address minor discomfort before it leads to injury

For more resources on how to promote safety in the workplace, ICW Group has a library of safety videos and a robust online safety training platform included with your workers’ compensation insurance policy. Plus, we offer many safety webinars, both live and on demand, and a full library of articles available to you at any time.