The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of different types of injury on the risk for disability retirement among economically active people in Denmark. Material and methods: In this prospective study, all people in the Danish labour force aged 21-54 years 1 January 1997 (N = 2 211 057) were followed for disability retirement during 1997-2001. Age and gender standardised incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated to compare retirement rates among those who received treatment for an injury during 1996 (N = 252 468, including both work-related and non-work related types) with the rates in the total labour force. Life-table methodology was used to calculate years of lost economically active life (YLEAL) by injury type. Results: Among the injured people we observed a total number of 5580 cases of subsequent disability retirement and 45% of these could be statistically attributed to the injury. The SIR for disability retirement by injury type ranged from 1.38 to 7.00. The least severe types, superficial injuries and dislocations, sprains, and strains, were most prevalent and generated the highest numbers of YLEALs. Conclusion: The high frequency of injuries and their influence on retirement rates suggest that injury prevention is a highly relevant approach to reduce future costs from disability retirement. YLEAL calculations can be used to set priorities.