Safe Work Australia releases new work-related injuries and fatalities data

New statistics reveal that Australian workers are still facing significant rates of illness and injury in the workplace.

Disturbingly, the number of workers who suffered fatal injuries at work rose to 200 in 2023, up from 195 in 2022, as detailed in the Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 report.

The yearly report offers an overview of occupational health and safety in Australia by examining national statistics on workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses.

According to the report, a substantial 76% of deaths due to work-related traumatic injuries and 61% of serious claims for workers' compensation were attributed to merely six sectors: agriculture, forestry, and fishing; public administration and safety; transport, postal, and warehousing; manufacturing; health care and social assistance; and construction.

Vehicle-related incidents still make up the majority of worker deaths, representing 42% of the total fatalities (84 deaths). Falls from a height was the second leading cause of worker deaths, showing a significant rise of 71% since 2022, increasing from 17 to 29 fatalities.

The report indicated that in 2023, there was a continued rise in claims related to mental health conditions, which now represent 10.5% of all serious claims.

In her remarks regarding the report, Safe Work Australia CEO Marie Boland, said every worker is entitled to a healthy and safe working environment, asserting that any fatality in the workplace is intolerable.

Access the Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 report by clicking here.