Safe Work Australia releases WHS outcomes for apprentices and trainees snapshot

Safe Work Australia Releases WHS Outcomes for Apprentices and Trainees Snapshot

Safe Work Australia has released a new snapshot highlighting causes of occupational injuries and illnesses suffered by apprentices and trainees in construction and manufacturing industries. The WHS outcomes for apprentices and trainees snapshot offers a clear picture of where safety support falls short for early-career workers across these sectors.

Key Findings at a Glance

More than two-thirds of all serious workers compensation claims were lodged by apprentices and trainees from construction, manufacturing, and other services industries. This statistic underscores why targeted support services remain critical for organisations employing apprentices and trainees.

• Falls, trips, and slips were the leading cause of injury for apprentices and trainees in the construction industry.
• Being struck by a moving object was the most common cause of occupational injuries for apprentices and trainees in the manufacturing industry.
• Other services industries also featured prominently among sectors reporting serious claims involving apprentices and trainees.

Why Falls, Trips, and Slips Dominate Construction Injuries

Construction sites present constant hazards for apprentices still learning site protocols. Falls, trips, and slips remain a persistent risk, often linked to uneven surfaces, poor housekeeping, or inadequate induction support. Businesses relying on Safe Work Method Statements can help apprentices understand hazards before stepping onto site, giving supervisors a documented framework to reinforce safe practices.

Employers running rigging or lifting tasks should also consider structured guidance, such as a Rigging Safe Work Procedure, to support apprentices working alongside experienced tradespeople.

Struck-by Incidents in Manufacturing

Manufacturing environments carry distinct risks, with moving machinery and equipment posing the greatest threat to apprentices and trainees. Struck-by incidents often occur when workers lack familiarity with plant layouts or equipment controls. Organisations using stabiliser or rotary mixer equipment can reference the Stabilizer RM300 and RM500 Safe Work Method Statement to build stronger induction support for new workers.

Beyond Physical Hazards: Psychosocial Risks

While physical injuries dominate the snapshot's headline figures, psychosocial hazards also warrant attention. Apprentices and trainees navigating unfamiliar workplaces often face psychosocial pressures tied to job insecurity, workload, or limited peer support. Addressing psychosocial risk alongside physical hazards gives a more complete picture of apprentice wellbeing.

What This Means for Employers

Businesses across construction, manufacturing, and other services sectors carry a responsibility to strengthen support systems for apprentices and trainees. Practical steps include:

• Reviewing induction processes to ensure new workers understand site-specific hazards.
• Providing mentorship support from experienced tradespeople during early placements.
• Embedding clear documentation, such as safe work method statements, into daily operations.
• Monitoring psychosocial factors alongside physical safety metrics.

Safe Work Australia continues to expand its focus beyond construction and manufacturing. Its recent WHS profile for nursing, care, and support workforce highlights similar patterns of risk across healthcare services, reinforcing that apprentice safety challenges span multiple industries.

Employers in aged care and health services sectors managing manual handling tasks may also find value in resources like the Patient Care - Lifting and Transporting Safe Work Method Statement, which supports safer handling practices for trainees entering care roles.

Ongoing Regulatory Attention

This snapshot follows a series of updates from Safe Work Australia aimed at improving WHS outcomes across services and trades. Recent releases include updated WHS information for electricians and revised WHS guidance for tree work, both reflecting a broader push to support high-risk trades through clearer guidance and documentation.

These efforts align with global awareness initiatives such as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 Promotion, which reinforces the importance of protecting vulnerable workers, including apprentices and trainees, across all industries.

Where to Access the Snapshot

The WHS outcomes for apprentices and trainees snapshot is available here, providing employers, safety professionals, and industry bodies with evidence to strengthen support for early-career workers across construction, manufacturing, and other services industries.