by Karl Voigt
On June 6, 2025, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania released its 2024 Workers’ Compensation Annual Report, and the data reveals some important – and surprising -trends for both workers and employers. While reported work injuries are down significantly, the cost of treating those injuries is rising fast. At the same time, state officials are cracking down harder on employers who try to skirt the rules, even as more businesses embrace workplace safety programs that save money and prevent injuries.
Fewer Claims, But Bigger Price Tags
In 2024, Pennsylvania recorded 155,104 workplace injuries and illnesses, down from over 162,000 the previous year. That decline could suggest improvements in workplace safety or (more likely) changes in reporting behavior – but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Despite the drop in total claims, employers and insurers paid out more than $3.3 billion in wage-loss and medical benefits, up significantly from $2.9 billion in 2023. That means the average cost per claim is rising sharply.
What’s behind the surge? A mix of higher medical prices, more serious injuries, and longer recovery times likely plays a role. For injured workers, this makes timely medical care and legal support even more important; when each case is more expensive, insurers may push back harder. And for employers, it reinforces the importance of preventing the types of serious injuries that lead to long-term claims.
More Aggressive Enforcement for Non-Compliant Employers
Another standout from the 2024 report is the increased enforcement against employers who try to dodge their legal obligations. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation specifically highlighted its success in prosecuting businesses that misclassify workers, underreport payroll, or operate without insurance.
In some cases, employers faced criminal prosecution and were ordered to pay six-figure restitution for cheating the system. This is a step up from past years, when many violations were handled quietly or with minor penalties.
For law-abiding employers, this levels the playing field. And for workers, it means the state is taking real steps to ensure every injured worker has access to the coverage they’re entitled to.
The state is no longer giving employers the benefit of the doubt. If you’re an employer cutting corners on workers’ comp coverage, you’re taking a serious legal risk.
Safety Committees: Saving Lives and Dollars
Meanwhile, more and more employers are embracing one of the most effective tools for preventing injuries and reducing insurance costs: certified workplace safety committees. In 2024, over 13,000 committees were active across Pennsylvania, impacting nearly 1.7 million workers.
Employers who set up these committees receive a 5% discount on their workers’ compensation premiums, and the state reports that businesses have saved more than $933 million through the program since it began.
These committees aren’t just window dressing – they’re making workplaces safer and helping employers cut costs in a tough economic environment.
The 2024 report shows a system under pressure but making progress: fewer injuries, rising costs, tougher enforcement, and more prevention. Whether you’re a worker navigating a claim or an employer trying to stay compliant and competitive, these trends matter. Stay informed, stay protected – and take safety seriously.
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