Staffing agencies are the lifeblood of the modern labor market, connecting skilled workers with employers who need immediate, reliable help. But with this convenience comes significant risk — especially when it comes to workers’ compensation insurance. Certain industries carry far greater chances of injury, illness, and liability, and staffing agencies that place workers in these sectors must navigate a more complex and expensive workers’ comp landscape.
At Redvo Workers Comp Brokers, we understand how challenging it can be for staffing firms to manage coverage in high-risk industries. From fluctuating job assignments to varying worksites and exposure levels, every placement adds layers of liability. Choosing the right policy and partner can mean the difference between profitability and overwhelming premium costs.
In this article, we’ll explore which industries are considered high-risk for staffing agency workers’ comp, why they are classified that way, and what agencies can do to minimize their exposure. Whether you staff construction crews, healthcare professionals, or warehouse workers, this guide will help you understand the risk factors, coverage requirements, and proven strategies to protect your agency and your workforce.
Construction and Skilled Trades
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors for temporary and contract workers. With heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and constantly changing environments, injuries are common — and often severe.
Why It’s High-Risk
- Frequent physical strain: Lifting heavy materials and operating tools increases risk for musculoskeletal injuries.
- Exposure to heights and machinery: Falls, equipment malfunctions, and crush injuries are frequent.
- Environmental hazards: Weather, noise, dust, and electrical exposure elevate workplace risks.
Common Workers’ Comp Claims
| Injury Type | Description | Common Causes |
| Fractures | Broken bones from falls or heavy objects | Scaffolding accidents, dropped materials |
| Sprains/Strains | Soft tissue injuries | Repetitive lifting or twisting |
| Head/Brain Injuries | Concussions, trauma | Falling debris, slips, or falls |
Redvo Insight
At Redvo Workers Comp Brokers, we often see construction staffing agencies face higher premium rates because underwriters classify each type of job differently. A carpenter, roofer, and electrician may all work on the same site but have vastly different risk codes. Our team helps agencies structure their coverage and reporting properly to ensure they aren’t overpaying for risk categories.
Manufacturing and Industrial Work
Manufacturing facilities rely heavily on staffing agencies for production, packaging, and assembly roles. These positions are often fast-paced, repetitive, and physically demanding — which increases both injury rates and claim frequency.
Why It’s High-Risk
- Repetitive motion injuries: Workers performing repetitive tasks can develop chronic pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Machine-related hazards: Amputations, crush injuries, and lacerations from equipment.
- Shift work fatigue: Long hours or night shifts increase accident likelihood.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Enforce strict machine guarding protocols.
- Provide ergonomic training for repetitive motion roles.
- Ensure staffing contracts specify safety responsibilities between the host employer and staffing agency.
Redvo Insight
Manufacturing placements often lead to classification confusion — especially when workers move between different departments or machines. Redvo’s brokers help agencies create clear job codes and safety documentation, minimizing disputes and preventing premium audits from spiraling out of control.
Warehousing and Logistics
Warehousing, fulfillment centers, and logistics operations have surged due to e-commerce growth. Temporary labor is essential to handle peak seasons, but these workplaces are loaded with risk factors.
Common Hazards
- Forklift accidents
- Slips and falls from uneven flooring or clutter
- Overexertion injuries during lifting or stacking
- Repetitive strain from scanning, sorting, or packaging
Safety Statistics
| Risk Factor | OSHA Ranking | Typical Claim Cost |
| Overexertion | #1 | $35,000 average |
| Falls | #2 | $47,000 average |
| Struck-by injuries | #3 | $39,000 average |
Redvo Insight
Staffing agencies placing workers in warehouse or logistics jobs face some of the highest loss frequency among all industries. At Redvo, we help clients analyze claim trends and implement proactive safety plans, which often results in reduced Experience Modification Rates (EMRs) and lower premiums.
Healthcare and Medical Staffing
Healthcare workers face unique risks, from biological exposure to patient handling injuries. For staffing agencies that provide nurses, aides, or technicians, workers’ comp coverage must be comprehensive and carefully classified.
Common Risks
- Needlestick injuries and infectious exposure
- Patient lifting and transfer injuries
- Slip and fall hazards in medical facilities
- Psychological stress and burnout
Best Practices for Healthcare Staffing Agencies
- Verify that host employers maintain OSHA-compliant environments.
- Offer proper PPE and infection control training to temporary healthcare workers.
- Monitor and document all incident reports to ensure timely claim management.
Redvo Insight
Because healthcare workers operate in regulated environments, underwriters often require detailed safety documentation. Redvo Workers Comp Brokers works with agencies to supply the right compliance records, helping them secure coverage even in states where healthcare classification codes are heavily restricted.
Transportation and Delivery
Drivers, movers, and logistics personnel face constant risk due to time pressure, long hours, and unpredictable conditions on the road. Staffing agencies in this space often struggle with both coverage availability and cost.
Common Risk Factors
- Vehicle accidents — collisions, rollovers, and pedestrian incidents.
- Loading/unloading injuries — back strains, slips, or crush injuries.
- Environmental exposure — heat, cold, and weather hazards.
Strategies to Lower Risk
- Require motor vehicle record (MVR) checks for all drivers.
- Implement defensive driving and fatigue management training.
- Use telematics systems to monitor driver safety.
Redvo Insight
Insurers tend to classify transportation placements as “severe hazard.” Redvo helps agencies negotiate coverage by providing detailed risk profiles, loss histories, and safety data — often resulting in more favorable underwriting terms.
Agriculture and Food Processing
Agricultural staffing agencies face some of the highest workers’ comp rates due to the labor-intensive, outdoor nature of the work. From harvesting to food packaging, every step involves physical strain and exposure.
Risk Overview
| Hazard | Typical Injury | Risk Level |
| Heavy lifting | Back and shoulder strain | High |
| Pesticide exposure | Respiratory illness | High |
| Repetitive motions | Tendonitis, fatigue | Moderate |
| Animal handling | Bites, kicks | High |
Why Premiums Are High
Agriculture combines seasonal turnover, outdoor elements, and manual labor, which create unpredictable risks. Staffing agencies in this sector also face compliance hurdles depending on state workers’ comp exemptions.
Redvo Insight
At Redvo, we help agricultural staffing firms design seasonal workers’ comp programs that adjust premium structures based on workload cycles — ensuring year-round protection without overpaying during off-seasons.
Oil, Gas, and Energy
The energy sector is inherently dangerous. Temporary workers in oil fields, refineries, or utilities are often exposed to hazardous materials, confined spaces, and extreme conditions.
Top Hazards
- Explosions and fires
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Falls from heights or rigs
- Equipment malfunction injuries
Typical Job Classifications
| Role | Classification | Risk Rating |
| Rig Operator | 1320 | Very High |
| Pipeline Laborer | 6206 | High |
| Utility Technician | 7520 | High |
Redvo Insight
Energy staffing placements demand high-limit coverage and strict loss control protocols. Redvo Workers Comp Brokers partners with specialized insurers familiar with OSHA and industry-specific safety standards — ensuring compliance while maintaining affordability.
Hospitality and Event Staffing
From hotels to concerts, hospitality staffing is fast-paced, people-focused, and unpredictable. While injuries might not be as severe as construction, frequency can be high — and that drives up comp costs.
Common Injuries
- Slips and falls in kitchens or event venues
- Burns and cuts in food prep
- Overexertion from moving equipment or furniture
- Crowd-related incidents during large events
Best Practices
- Provide site-specific safety orientations before each placement.
- Supply non-slip footwear and protective gear.
- Enforce incident reporting within 24 hours to control claim costs.
Redvo Insight
Hospitality staffing firms often operate across multiple states or venues. Redvo’s national coverage access allows agencies to maintain consistent comp protection even when events or clients are in different jurisdictions.
Janitorial and Cleaning Services
Cleaning and sanitation work involves repetitive motion, chemical exposure, and awkward body positions — all contributors to frequent workers’ comp claims.
Typical Risks
- Chemical burns or reactions from cleaning agents.
- Slips on wet floors during mopping or waxing.
- Lifting injuries from moving heavy equipment.
How to Manage Exposure
- Provide training on chemical labeling (GHS) and PPE usage.
- Use ergonomic tools to reduce bending and strain.
- Implement two-person lift rules for heavy items.
Redvo Insight
Janitorial staffing agencies often face audit disputes when their employees perform mixed tasks (maintenance + cleaning). Redvo assists with accurate classification documentation to prevent overcharges and compliance issues.
Landscaping and Outdoor Services
Landscaping combines physical exertion, machinery, and environmental exposure — a recipe for injury if not properly managed. Seasonal employment and turnover further complicate risk management.
Common Hazards
- Lawnmower and trimmer injuries
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration
- Trips and falls on uneven terrain
- Contact with insects or allergens
Risk Control Measures
- Mandatory safety briefings before each shift.
- Provide hydration breaks and sun protection gear.
- Rotate tasks to prevent overuse injuries.
Redvo Insight
Outdoor staffing agencies often struggle to find carriers willing to cover all their risk categories. Redvo Workers Comp Brokers leverages a network of specialty insurers that understand landscaping exposures and can craft tailored policies that balance safety and affordability.
Temporary Office and Administrative Work
While this sector may seem low-risk, office environments come with hidden dangers — from repetitive strain injuries to slip hazards. For staffing agencies, these claims can add up quickly if not managed properly.
Typical Risks
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from data entry.
- Slip and fall injuries in office hallways.
- Eye strain and ergonomic issues from computer work.
- Stress-related claims due to workload or harassment.
Risk Mitigation Tips
- Provide ergonomic setup guidelines for all placements.
- Encourage early reporting of repetitive pain symptoms.
- Document host employer safety compliance certifications.
Redvo Insight
Even in lower-risk sectors, claims can escalate into costly disputes if documentation is lacking. Redvo helps agencies build proactive claim management systems, ensuring that even minor incidents are handled efficiently and transparently.
Wrapping It Up
High-risk industries pose complex challenges for staffing agencies — from rising premiums to stricter underwriting scrutiny. Every industry has its own exposure profile, and managing those differences is key to staying compliant and profitable.
That’s where Redvo Workers Comp Brokers makes the difference. Our team specializes in helping staffing agencies navigate coverage classifications, negotiate with insurers, and implement safety-based cost reduction strategies. Whether you staff construction crews, warehouse associates, or healthcare professionals, Redvo provides customized workers’ comp solutions designed to match your risk level and budget.
If your staffing agency is struggling with high-risk placements or inconsistent coverage, visit Redvo Workers Comp Brokers to discover how our brokers can simplify your workers’ comp strategy — and keep your business protected, compliant, and competitive.
