168 Australian workers died on the job in 2024: Safe Work Australia

A total of 168 Australian workers died on the job in 2024, according to Safe Work Australia. This figure represents the latest national count of work-related fatalities across every state and territory, offering safety professionals a clear benchmark for measuring risk across industries.

The highest number of fatalities was observed in the transport, postal, and warehousing industry, which accounted for 54 deaths, with the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors trailing behind at 38 fatalities. These figures highlight where work health and safety efforts need the most attention, particularly for employers managing high-risk operations such as heavy vehicle movement, machinery use, and remote or isolated work.

The construction sector ranks third, having recorded 30 fatalities. Falls from height remain a persistent hazard on many sites, and repeated falls incidents continue to drive much of the sector's risk profile. Reducing this risk requires consistent hazard identification, robust safe work method statements, and ongoing worker training.

Why These Figures Matter for Safety Professionals

Tracking annual fatality data helps employers and health and safety teams identify where risk is concentrated and where controls are falling short. Comparing this year's figures against prior reports, such as 160 Australian workers died on the job in 2022 and 155 Australian workers died on the job in 2021, allows businesses to spot trends rather than react to isolated incidents.

For a deeper look at how figures have shifted over recent years, see Death on the job: Safe Work Australia updates 2023 figures.

Reducing Risk on Site

Practical, task-specific documentation remains one of the most effective tools for reducing workplace risk. Businesses working with rigging, jigsaws, or linishing equipment should ensure teams follow documented procedures, such as a Rigging Safe Work Procedure, Jigsaw Safe Work Method Statement, or Linisher Safe Work Method Statement, to keep crews aligned on hazard controls before work begins.

Employers observing National Safe Work Month can review the official National Safe Work Month 2024 Terms & Conditions for details on participating in awareness activities across Australian workplaces.

Learn more here.