REPORT: The industries most at risk for workplace accidents 

February 2018

Safe Work Australia have recently released new information on the safety of workplaces all over the country, and while things are looking up, we still have a long way to go. 

These most recent statistics show that of 182 workplace fatalities in 2016, 168 of these are males aged between 25-65. The most common industries that these incidents occur in are Construction and Transport and Warehousing, with the most at risk occupations being Machinery Operators, Labourers and Technicians and Trade workers. The full list of industries and occupations are available here.

Of this group 45% were killed in vehicle accidents, while 25% were killed by being hit by moving objects.

The Construction and Transport and Warehousing Industries are also responsible for majority of serious workplace injuries. 

Again Machinery Operators, Labourers and Technicians and Trade workers are the most at risk for these types of injuries. 23% of incidents were a result of falls, tips or slips, and 39% were a result of body stress. Body stress can be caused by a variety of manual tasks, such a lifting or using repetitive movements. 

This data also tells us that the median time employees are away from work after an injury is 5.2 weeks, and for employers, the median compensation pay out per injury claim is $10,800. There are countless benefits of ensuring the workplace is safe, and it seems saving money is one of them too. 

These statistics however, are an improvement. Since 2005 workplace fatality rates have decreased by 49% and serious injury claims have decreased by 29%, but it can definitely be better. 

Safety is at the very forefront of every single course we teach, and it should be a priority in every work place as well. Even one workplace death, is one too many. 

You can view the Safe Work Australia Report here.