Latest workers' compensation stats released

Latest Workers' Compensation Stats Released

Safe Work Australia has released the latest national workers compensation statistics, giving safety professionals fresh insight into workplace injury trends across the country.

The Australian workers' compensation statistics 2020-21 report includes data on accepted serious workers' compensation claims, offering a detailed picture of how claims are trending year on year.

According to the report, 130,195 serious claims were lodged in 2020/21, with 87% classified as injury claims rather than disease-related claims.

Industries With The Highest Claim Rates

Statistics reveal agriculture, forestry and fishing, health care and social assistance, plus manufacturing were the top three industries recording the highest rate of serious claims.

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing
• Health care and social assistance
• Manufacturing

These sectors continue to face elevated risk profiles, reinforcing why robust safety documentation and compliance measures remain critical for employers operating within them.

For businesses wanting to understand how their obligations fit within broader compensation frameworks, our article on comparing workers compensation programs in Australia and New Zealand provides useful context.

Readers in Western Australia should also review recent updates on WA workers' compensation premium rate increases, while those operating in New South Wales can find relevant guidance in our coverage of the NSW workers compensation exposure draft.

Employers seeking to reduce their exposure to serious claims should ensure documented safety procedures are in place. Learn more about when a safe work method statement applies in our guide, When Do I Need A SWMS?

The full Australian workers' compensation statistics 2020-21 report is accessible here.