New Safe Work Australia report shows the economic benefits of safe and healthy work

Safe Work Australia has released a new report highlighting the economic benefits of workplace safety. The report, titled 'Safer, healthier, wealthier: The economic value of reducing work-related injuries and illnesses', shows that 185,500 more full-time jobs would be created without workplace injuries and diseases.

Additionally, the Australian economy would be $28.6 billion larger each year, and wages would increase at an average rate of 1.3% in the absence of occupational injuries and diseases. This study confirms what many safety professionals have long understood — investing in prevention delivers measurable returns for businesses and employees alike.

Key Findings from the Report

The findings reveal several benefits that safe work practices deliver across the economy:

• 185,500 additional full-time jobs without workplace injury and illness
• $28.6 billion in extra annual economic output
• 1.3% average wage growth in the absence of workplace harm

Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter said, "The findings clearly demonstrate that work health and safety is critical to our prosperity, driving economic and productivity improvements. Workplaces that are safe and free of injury and illness provide benefits for all Australians, including more jobs and better pay."

Why This Matters for Australian Workplaces

These figures support the case that prevention-focused safety cultures strengthen both productivity and long-term business viability. Organisations that prioritise safe systems of work often see stronger operational outcomes and reduced downtime caused by injury.

For businesses reviewing their safety documentation, this is a timely reminder to revisit practical tools such as Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), which support safer task planning across high-risk activities like rigging and stabiliser operation, as well as sensitive tasks including patient handling in aged care settings.

Safe Work Australia continues to support employers and workers through initiatives like National Safe Work Month, which reinforces the value of embedding safety into everyday operations rather than treating it as a compliance afterthought.

Related Reading

For further context on how Safe Work Australia continues to shape national safety data and reporting, read our coverage of the latest yearly report from Safe Work Australia, explore The Future of Work: Safe, Healthy, and Productive Work for All, or review findings from the report analysing workers' compensation systems in Australia and New Zealand.

Read the full report here.