Study: Pro Sports Have Higher Workplace Injury Rates Than Construction

• Pro athletes face one of the highest workplace injury rates – 11.3 injuries per 100 workers, which is over 4x higher than construction workers (2.5 per 100).

• Demanding schedules contribute to injury risk and push athletes to compete with minimal recovery time, increasing fatigue-related and repetitive strain injuries.

According to research by Tribeca Lawsuit Loans, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, athletes have a higher injury rate than some of the industries typically classified as the most dangerous, such as construction workers.

In 2023, Spectator Sports and Professional Sports Teams & Clubs reported 11.3 injuries per 100 workers, while construction workers had a significantly lower rate of 2.5 injuries per 100 workers.

How Pro Sports Compare to Other High-Risk Jobs

As the data shows, athletes rank among the most injury-prone workers in the U.S. – more so than construction workers, who regularly operate heavy machinery and work in hazardous environments.

The Demanding Schedules of Pro Sports

One factor contributing to these high injury rates is the intensity of professional sports schedules, which give athletes little time to recover.

NBA: Players compete in an 82-game regular season, plus playoffs, which increases the risk of fatigue-related injuries.

NFL: Though the season is shorter at 17 games, the high-contact nature of football results in a high rate of concussions and traumatic injuries.

NHL: Hockey players also endure an 82-game season, with frequent high-speed collisions and long-term joint stress.

MLS: Soccer players compete in over 50 games per year, often across multiple competitions, leading to repetitive strain injuries.

MLB: Baseball players endure the longest season in pro sports, playing 162 games per year, with pitchers in particular facing high injury risks from repetitive throwing motions.

The combination of intensive schedules and physical demand makes injuries in professional sports inevitable, but some experts believe that adjustments could reduce the risk.

Rory Donadio of Tribeca Lawsuit Loans, who conducted the research, commented on the findings:

“While injuries will always be a part of professional sports, the data raises questions about player health, recovery, and long-term well-being. Some leagues have introduced measures like load management in the NBA and expanded rosters in MLB, but the demand for more games and higher revenues often takes precedence over player safety. With injuries at an all-time high, it may be time for leagues to rethink game schedules, improve medical protocols, and put player health first.”