Safe Work Australia releases review of the 2015 Deemed Diseases Report

Safe Work Australia Releases Review of the 2015 Deemed Diseases Report

Safe Work Australia has released its "Review of the 2015 Deemed Diseases in Australia Report," a resource designed to support workers' compensation jurisdictions across the country.

The safety agency commissioned this review to examine the latest scientific evidence on causal links between diseases and occupational exposures, giving decision-makers reliable data to support their assessments.

What the Report Covers

Safe Work Australia said the report "provides evidence-based information on a list of diseases and occupational exposures, for consideration by workers' compensation jurisdictions when reviewing the deemed diseases lists in their workers' compensation legislation."

This evidence-based information helps compensation bodies refine their approach to occupational health matters, ensuring deemed diseases lists reflect current scientific understanding. Such reviews play a critical role in supporting fair outcomes for injured workers and strengthening broader safety frameworks nationwide.

Why This Review Matters for Safety Professionals

For technical professionals in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, understanding deemed disease provisions supports better risk management and compliance planning. Recognising which occupational exposures carry established health risks allows businesses to prioritise safety measures where they matter most.

This review builds on previous efforts, including Safe Work Australia's 2023 Interim Review of the List of Deemed Disease in Australia report, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to keeping compensation frameworks aligned with emerging evidence.

Safety outcomes improve when compensation systems are informed by robust, up-to-date research. This report contributes valuable resources toward that goal, helping jurisdictions make informed decisions that protect worker health long-term.

Supporting Broader Safety and Compensation Reporting

Safe Work Australia regularly publishes findings to support safety professionals and compensation stakeholders. Readers may also find value in the new yearly report from Safe Work Australia, which offers additional resources for tracking national safety trends.

Similarly, the workers' compensation comparison report provides further context on how compensation schemes vary across jurisdictions, supporting comparative analysis for safety and compensation professionals alike.

Practical Support for Workplaces

Beyond compensation policy, businesses need practical tools to support day-to-day safety compliance. SafetyDocs offers a range of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) covering high-risk construction activities, including our Rigging Safe Work Procedure, Jigsaw Safe Work Method Statement, and Linisher Safe Work Method Statement.

These resources support businesses aiming to reduce occupational exposures linked to deemed diseases, reinforcing safety at the operational level while compensation frameworks evolve at the policy level.

Read the Full Report

Read the review of the 2015 Deemed Diseases in Australia Report here.

Businesses looking to strengthen their safety culture can also explore initiatives like National Safe Work Month, which promotes awareness and support for safer workplaces across Australia.