Safe Work Australia releases new national WHS data

Safe Work Australia Releases New National WHS Data

Safe Work Australia has released new figures showing 195 Australian workers died on the job in 2022. This data highlights ongoing challenges for workplace health and safety across the country.

Key Findings From the Report

Figures released by Safe Work Australia show 195 Australian workers died on the job in 2022. These figures are contained in the "Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2023" report published by Safe Work Australia on Thursday.

The report provides an overview of national data on occupational fatalities, injuries and illnesses recorded in 2022. It compiles data drawn from multiple sources to guide national research efforts and inform future safety strategy.

Fatality Rates by Industry

Agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded the highest worker fatality rate of any industry sector, at 14.7 deaths per 100,000 workers, according to the report. Such figures underscore why targeted health and safety measures remain critical for high-risk sectors.

• 195 worker deaths recorded nationally in 2022
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector fatality rate: 14.7 per 100,000 workers
• Report published as part of Safe Work Australia's ongoing national statistics program

Why This Data Matters for Safety Professionals

"This report brings together key data that will help inform improved WHS policy and practice to make Australian workplaces safer and healthier," Safe Work Australia CEO, Michelle Baxter, said.

For technical professionals working across construction, manufacturing and healthcare, this national research offers valuable resources for benchmarking safety performance against industry peers. Understanding sector-specific fatality trends helps safety managers prioritise controls where risk exposure runs highest.

SafetyDocs has previously reported on related statistics, including when Safe Work Australia released new information on WHS prosecutions and when the agency published new work health and safety data covering broader national trends.

Accessing the Full Report

Safety professionals seeking deeper insight into national fatality and injury trends can access the full report directly through Safe Work Australia's official resources. Reviewing this data supports evidence-based decision-making when updating workplace safety documentation and procedures.

Organisations preparing for National Safe Work Month initiatives may find this report particularly useful for shaping awareness campaigns and internal training priorities. Businesses in high-risk sectors, such as those relying on rigging safe work procedures, should pay close attention to industry-specific fatality data when reviewing their own risk controls.

The full report is accessible here via Safe Work Australia's official website.

Staying Informed on WHS News

SafetyDocs will continue monitoring Safe Work Australia news releases and sharing analysis relevant to safety practitioners nationwide. Keeping pace with the latest WHS news helps organisations maintain compliance while strengthening their overall safety culture.

For more news and updates on national work health and safety developments, subscribe to SafetyDocs' ongoing coverage of Safe Work Australia announcements and related industry news.