On the occasion of Labour Day, as conversations around worker safety, protection, and compliance take centre stage, and as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the working class, a concerning trend is coming into focus.
A recent report titled ‘BimaKavach Workplace Risk Report 2026’ highlights that workplace injury claims are on the rise, pointing to growing risks across sectors even as awareness and reporting improve.
In fact, workplace injury claims have jumped 31% year-on-year between FY25 and FY26, mentioned the report. The data comes from over 6,000 MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) across multiple sectors.
The increase is not just about more accidents. It reflects three key shifts, higher business activity, better reporting, and faster insurance coverage through digital tools.
Simply put, more incidents are now being recorded instead of being ignored or missed.
Factories and manufacturing units report the highest number of claims. Common reasons include machinery-related accidents, slips, falls, and construction injuries.
In contrast, IT and tech firms show almost no claims, despite having insurance coverage in place.
Weather also plays a big role. The report highlights that the monsoon season, i.e., from June to September, accounts for 43% of total claims.
July alone sees the highest share, as wet floors, outdoor hazards, and transport issues increase the chances of accidents.
For most MSMEs, buying workmen compensation insurance is still about following the law. Around 94.6% of businesses purchase policies mainly for compliance.
However, there is a slow shift. More firms are beginning to see insurance as a safety net, not just a legal requirement.
Meanwhile, the report mentioned that nearly 69% of policies are issued on the same day, and over 82% get activated within three days.
This quicker turnaround is helping businesses stay protected without long waiting periods.
The report suggests that workplace risks are no longer static. They change with seasons, sectors, and working conditions.
As businesses scale, the focus is slowly moving from reacting to accidents to preparing for them in advance, something that could define the next phase of workplace safety in India.