Productivity Losses From Nonfatal Injuries in the U.S.

Abstract

Introduction

Information on productivity losses due to nonfatal injuries is limited. This study estimated annual productivity losses attributable to nonfatal injuries among U.S. adults aged ≥18 years in 2023.

Methods

Productivity losses attributable to nonfatal injuries were estimated using the human capital approach. Various data sources, including the 2021 and 2023 National Health Interview Surveys and published literature, were used to estimate the cost of absenteeism, presenteeism, inability to work, and household productivity loss attributable to these injuries. All costs were estimated for 2023, and all analyses were conducted in 2025.

Results

In 2023, the total annual cost of productivity losses attributable to nonfatal injuries among U.S. adults was $25.15 billion (prediction interval=$10.29–$43.95 billion). Of this amount, absenteeism accounted for $8.95 billion (prediction interval=$4.92–$14.21 billion), representing 36% of the total; presenteeism contributed $6.33 billion (prediction interval=$2.74–$11.10 billion) or 25%; inability to work resulted in costs of $9.67 billion (prediction interval=$2.54–$18.32 billion) or 38%; and household productivity loss totaled $0.20 billion (prediction interval=$0.10–$0.32 billion), which is nearly 1% of the overall cost.

Conclusions

The annual cost of productivity losses from nonfatal injuries among U.S. adults is substantial as of 2023. Public health strategies that reduce nonfatal injuries can create cost-savings for the U.S. economy by avoiding preventable work and personal time losses.