Revealed: More than 160 young tradies killed on the job in the past 10 years

More Than 160 Young Tradies Killed on the Job in the Past 10 Years

Statistics show 16 young tradies are killed on the job each year in Australia. About two weeks ago, a teen apprentice died after falling at a Queensland worksite. Early this month, a man in his 50s died in a bulldozer rollover at a south Burnett construction site.

Figures show the number of young people being injured at work is on the rise, with fresh news highlighting just how urgent this issue has become for employers and industry regulators alike.

What the Latest Figures Reveal

The statistics reveal 163 workers under the age of 25 died on the job between 2013 and 2022 — more than 160 young lives lost in roughly a decade of work-related accidents.

This news comes amid growing calls for stronger safety measures across high-risk trades, particularly construction, manufacturing, and heavy machinery operation. Similar coverage in past years, including reports that more than 100 workers were killed on the job this year, points to a troubling pattern that safety professionals cannot ignore.

Why Young Workers Face Higher Risk

Younger tradies often lack the on-site experience needed to recognise hazards quickly, which can leave them more exposed to dangerous situations. Combined with inadequate supervision or rushed training, this news underscores why targeted safety strategies matter for apprentices and junior staff.

Reports from earlier periods, such as those showing more than 70 Australian workers died on the job in the first six months of 2023, reinforce the need for consistent, industry-wide vigilance rather than isolated fixes.

Recent Incidents Highlight Ongoing Concerns

Beyond the broader statistics, individual incidents continue to make headlines. Coverage of a worker killed on the job in Athenree shows this news isn't confined to Australia — similar tragedies occur across construction sites worldwide, reminding safety leaders that vigilance must extend beyond borders.

Practical Steps Employers Can Take

Given these findings, employers should consider strengthening on-site safety practices, especially for apprentices and workers new to hazardous trades. Useful measures include:

• Conducting thorough job safety analyses before high-risk tasks begin, supported by tools like our Digital JSA - Job Safety Analysis Template
• Equipping trade-specific first aid resources, such as our Electrical Tradies First Aid Kit, on every site
• Using structured onboarding tools, including our Young Persons At Work Checklist, for junior staff
• Reviewing plant and machinery risk controls under the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice

Supporting Tradie Wellbeing Beyond Physical Safety

Safety extends past physical hazards alone. Initiatives promoting mental and physical wellbeing, such as our Tradies National Health Month 2025 campaign, help build a culture where young workers feel supported both on and off site.

Summary

More than 160 young tradies died across a decade of work-related incidents in Australia, according to figures released this month. This news should prompt every construction and manufacturing employer to reassess training, supervision, and equipment standards for younger staff.

For more on this story, go to the ABC News website.