Workers’ compensation: Safe Work Australia launches anti-stigma campaign

Safe Work Australia Launches Anti-Stigma Campaign for Workers' Compensation

Safe Work Australia has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at reducing workers' compensation stigma across Australian workplaces. Research shows a third of workers thought their colleagues would treat them differently if they knew they were injured or sick.

This news comes as part of a broader push to improve health outcomes for injured and ill workers navigating compensation systems nationwide.

What Does the Campaign Include?

Safe Work Australia says the campaign includes resources designed to help empower employers, supervisors and workers to reduce stigma surrounding compensation claims. Available services and materials include:

• Fact sheets outlining practical advice for workplace safety teams
• Case studies demonstrating real-world approaches to stigma reduction
• Posters providing clear, actionable information for construction sites and other high-risk industries

These tools give safety professionals practical services they can implement immediately, whether managing a construction crew or overseeing a healthcare facility.

Partnership Under the National Return to Work Strategy

Safe Work Australia's workers' compensation stigma campaign has been developed in partnership with Safe Work Australia Members, under the National Return to Work Strategy 2020–2030.

National coordination between members ensures consistent messaging across jurisdictions, giving construction firms, manufacturers and healthcare providers a unified approach to supporting injured staff.

Why Stigma Reduction Matters for Workplace Safety

Stigma surrounding compensation claims can discourage workers from reporting injuries early, which undermines broader safety goals. Reducing this stigma supports faster recovery, better return-to-work outcomes and stronger trust between employers and staff.

For safety leaders in construction, manufacturing and health sectors, addressing stigma is not just a compliance issue — it's a cultural shift that strengthens overall safety performance.

Where to Find More Information

Additional information is available on the Safe Work Australia website. Businesses seeking further guidance can also review related coverage, including Safe Work Australia's workers' compensation comparison report and Safe Work Australia's new workers' compensation research report.

Organisations looking to strengthen their broader safety documentation may also benefit from exploring Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), which support compliant, well-documented practices across construction and other high-risk industries.

For more news on Safe Work Australia's ongoing initiatives, read about Safe Work Australia's campaign aimed at keeping food delivery workers safe.