What are the 5 Most Common Workplace Injuries in Colorado?

Posted by: Karen Booher on May 6th, 2026

There are over 3 million people employed in the state of Colorado. Keeping employees safe in the workplace is undoubtedly one of the top priorities of companies. While some professions and industries are more susceptible to workplace injuries than others, accidents can occur even in traditional office environments.

According to Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s largest workers’ compensation insurance provider, the five most common injuries in the workplace in 2025 (and ways to prevent them) were:

1. Miscellaneous strains

Workers experience strains doing all kinds of things, from reaching for something when you slip, to pushing or pulling something heavy, and even getting into and out of a vehicle.

How to prevent? If possible, eliminate the hazard. If that’s not possible, focus on mitigation, such as decreasing repetitive motion, wearing slip-resistant footwear, moving heavier loads with equipment versus manually.

2. Struck inadvertently by a fellow worker

Most common on busy construction sites, there are countless ways that this type of accident takes place. Most are caused by trucks and other vehicles, but they also occur from a coworker carrying a beam, dropping a sledgehammer, and the like. In an office, a door can be suddenly opened that wasn’t expected by the person on the other side.

How to prevent? Ensure workers are highly visible with brightly colored vests, and limit access to the work area. Put glass panes/windows on highly trafficked doors.

3. Same-level fall

It’s happened to many of us… you’re walking around without a care and suddenly trip and fall. A fall can cause more than just embarrassment. Tripping on clutter in a hallway or an uneven surface can result in serious injury.

How to prevent? Keep walkways free of clutter and keep floors dry, especially during slushy and rainy weather.

4. Lifting strains

We’ve all been told to lift with your legs, not with your back. But it’s easier said than done. Whether moving office furniture or a 50-pound bag of concrete, the strain on the back, neck, and other body parts is real. Strains affect the soft tissues of the body, resulting in swelling, strained muscles, pinched nerves, ligament sprains, or disc problems.

How to prevent? Incorporate ergonomic design principles in your workplace. Keep training on proper lifting techniques, but also reduce exposure to and the need to move awkward heavy objects.

5. Animal and insect bites

You don’t have to work in a zoo to risk injury by an animal. A diverse group of workers are susceptible to animal and insect attacks, including veterinary staff, delivery drivers, home healthcare workers, and construction crews. Even employees in offices with pet-friendly policies are subject to animal bites.

How to prevent? When animals are part of their job, workers should wear protective equipment such as gloves. Those who frequently encounter animals during their workday should stay alert, announce their presence, avoid eye contact, and use packages as a barrier if necessary.

---

Source:

Pinnacol Assurance, February 2026 newsletter, “Colorado’s 5 most common workplace injuries in 2025“, by Monica Cabrera, January 16, 2026.