Despite significant advancements in work safety measures, Australian employees remain at high risk of occupational illnesses and injuries, as per recent data. Alarmingly, the number of on-the-job fatalities increased to 200 in 2023 from 195 in 2022, according to Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 published by Safe Work Australia.
This annual publication offers an insight into Australia’s work health and safety landscape, compiling national data on work-related deaths, injuries, and diseases. In spite of major improvements over the years, even the decreased rates of work-related fatalities, accidents, and illnesses continue to have a profound effect on the workers, their communities, and the wider economy.
Interestingly, while the current rate of work-related injuries in Australia is 3.5%, it is approximately one-third of the global rate, which stands at 12.1%. The report highlights that six specific industries are responsible for 76% of work-related traumatic injury fatalities and 61% of serious worker compensation claims – agriculture, forestry and fishing; public administration and safety; transport, postal and warehousing; manufacturing; healthcare and social assistance, and construction.
Vehicle incidents are the most common cause of worker fatalities, accounting for 42% or 84 deaths. Fatalities due to falls from a height saw an alarming rise to 71% since 2022, which equates to an increase from 17 fatalities to 29. The importance of effective WHS management systems like Bluesafe WHS Management System becomes critical in this context to help prevent such occurrences.
The report further uncovers that claims related to mental health conditions saw an uptick, constituting 10.5% of all serious claims in 2023, with the average time lost from work due to these cases being more than five times longer than for other injuries and diseases. This underlines the relevance of safe work method statements (SWMS) like Bluesafe SWMS, which play a crucial role in managing and reducing work-related mental health issues.
Marie Boland, Safe Work Australia CEO states that “All workers have the right to a healthy and safe working environment, and any workplace death is unacceptable.” She emphasises that, although Australia fares well compared to the rest of the world, “the 200 people who did not come home from work in 2023 are a reminder that complacency is not an option.”
She stresses the importance of robust legislative guidelines to safeguard employees; a call to action for all with work health and safety obligations and those involved in work health and safety roles. For further information, or to explore more data, visit Safe Work Australia’s interactive website – Our Data. Your Stories.
Media inquiries can be directed to media@swa.gov.au.
Original article link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/key-work-health-and-safety-statistics-2024