Queensland urged to put safety first during Safe Work Month

The latest national figures show Queensland recorded 51 workplace fatalities in 2023, including 39 covered by work health and safety or electrical safety legislation. The highest number of fatalities occurred among people aged 35–54. Vehicles were involved in 35 deaths, and machinery operators and drivers were the most common occupation group among those who died.

Safe Work Australia data shows up to 200 workers die in work-related incidents nationally each year, while around 120,000 receive compensation for a serious work-related injury or illness. These deaths, injuries and illnesses affect workers, their families and the wider community.

Queensland recorded 33,832 serious workers’ compensation claims in the 2022/2023 financial year. This included 26,526 claims for injuries and 7,306 for diseases and conditions. Most serious claims, defined as those compensated for five days or more, involved people aged 35–54.

The campaign calls on businesses to make workplace health and safety central to their operations and review their approach to rehabilitation and return to work. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, self-employed people also have legal responsibilities for their own health and safety and that of everyone visiting their workplace. Workers have a right to a healthy and safe workplace, whatever their occupation or engagement arrangements.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Deputy Director General Donna Heelan urged Queenslanders to take part in Safe Work Month and discuss workplace safety with their teams, families and colleagues. She said talking about safety and raising its importance makes workers more likely to take a proactive approach, follow safety procedures and manage risks.

Heelan said individuals and organisations can help protect workers’ physical and mental health by eliminating and managing workplace risks and supporting workers in a safe, healthy environment. She called for people to work together to reduce workplace incidents so everyone can return home safe and healthy after work.

The Safe Work Month 2024 program includes the Work Well Conference, Work Well Regional Breakfast Forums and Work Well Speaker Series. Topics include artificial intelligence and workplace safety, fatigue prevention and management, work health and safety communication, safety leadership, injury management and return to work schemes.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland also provides resources, guides and practical tools to help businesses and workers create workplaces free from physical and psychological harm. The month offers an opportunity for workplaces to renew their focus on health and safety and its place in everyday business.

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS Self-Check can help you review your business’s approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas that may need attention during Safe Work Month and beyond. Take the free WHS self-check