Workplace Injury “Hotspots” Expose Cities and Industries at Highest Risk
New analysis shows injuries are concentrated in specific locations and sectors, offering a roadmap for targeted prevention.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Sep 18, 2025
Workplace injuries are not evenly distributed across the United States. Certain cities and industries consistently see higher rates of worker harm, creating “hotspots” where risks are elevated and safety interventions are urgently needed.
Some metropolitan areas stand out with higher injury totals, while smaller cities show disproportionately high rates once adjusted for workforce size. Safety professionals point to a mix of factors—including uneven enforcement, aging infrastructure, and limited resources—that contribute to why these clusters persist.
“OSHA’s data confirms what safety pros have known for years: injuries cluster in specific cities because of inconsistent enforcement and outdated infrastructure,” said Steven Stogner, speaking on behalf of TRADESAFE. “High-risk zones often overlap with areas where inspections are fewer or slower. Strengthening local compliance and professional alliances could significantly reduce injuries in these hotspot cities.”
Warehousing is a prime example of systemic risk. Nearly three out of four employers in the sector report at least one injury every year, reflecting the strain of balancing speed and volume against safety safeguards.
“Warehousing injuries are systemic,” Stogner said. “The sector thrives on speed, but efficiency often comes at the expense of safety. Until automation is paired with proper training and ergonomic design, warehousing will remain one of the more dangerous jobs in the country.”
Experts also emphasize that injury data gives municipalities a blueprint for action. Local governments can use it to design training programs, expand outreach, and push for stronger protections, even in states where OSHA oversight is limited.
“This data gives cities a playbook,” Stogner added. “Municipalities can leverage it to push targeted training, safety grants, and localized outreach. Too often, it takes a tragic accident before leaders get serious about protecting workers.”
By addressing risks where they are most acute, leaders say, communities can move beyond reactive safety and create lasting cultural change to prevent injuries before they happen.
Link to the study: Workplace Injury Hotspots: US Cities and Industries With the Most Risk | TRADESAFE
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.