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

Safe Work Australia Releases New Work-Related Injuries and Fatalities Data

New statistics reveal that Australian workers continue 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 Safe Work Australia's Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 report.

Overview of the National Report

The yearly report offers an overview of occupational health and safety across the country by examining national statistics on workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses. It builds on findings previously covered in our summary of Safe Work Australia's work health and safety data.

According to the report, a substantial 76% of deaths due to work-related traumatic injuries and 61% of serious compensation claims were attributed to merely six sectors:

• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
• Public administration and safety
• Transport, postal, and warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Health care and social assistance
• Construction

Leading Causes of Workplace Deaths

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

Businesses seeking practical guidance on reducing vehicle-related risks may find value in reviewing site-specific procedures, such as those outlined in our Stabilizer RM300 and RM500 Safe Work Method Statement, which addresses plant and equipment hazards relevant to construction settings.

Rising Mental Health Claims

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. This trend highlights the growing need for employers to address psychological health alongside physical safety measures in every workplace.

Sectors such as health care continue to carry heightened exposure to both physical and psychological risks. Organisations managing patient handling tasks can reference our Patient Care – Lifting and Transporting Safe Work Method Statement for structured guidance on reducing injury risk during manual handling activities.

Safe Work Australia's Response

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

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

Strengthening Safety Practices Across Industries

These figures reinforce why robust safety documentation remains essential for organisations across construction, manufacturing and healthcare. Well-structured Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) help teams identify hazards before work begins, supporting compliance with safety obligations while reducing exposure to preventable incidents.

High-risk activities, including rigging operations, also benefit from documented procedures. Our Rigging Safe Work Procedure provides a practical framework for managing risks associated with lifting and load-bearing tasks.

Employers looking to reinforce a culture of safety throughout their workforce may also consider participation in initiatives like National Safe Work Month, which encourages ongoing conversations about health and safety at every level of an organisation.

Continued monitoring of national data, alongside proactive safety planning, remains critical for reducing preventable injuries and protecting the health of workers across every sector.