Data released yesterday in Safe Work Australia’s latest Comparative Performance Monitoring report shows work-related compensated injury fatalities are at their lowest level since 2002.
The 16th edition of the report provides trend analysis on the work health and safety and workers’ compensation schemes operating in Australia and New Zealand.
In releasing the report, Michelle Baxter, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Safe Work Australia recognised the progress Australia has made but noted there was still room for improvement.
“Over a decade ago Australia set a national target of reducing the incidence rate of compensated injury and musculoskeletal disorder fatalities by 20 per cent by 2012. This report shows that as a nation we not only achieved, but surpassed this target, with a 41 per cent reduction in fatalities,” said Ms Baxter.
“While this is a good result, there were still 178 compensated injury and disease fatalities recorded in Australia for 2012–13. More work is needed to improve work health and safety and reduce this figure even further.”
The report revealed that in 2012-13, 11 out of every 1000 workers were injured seriously enough to require one week or more off work. While there has been a 26 per cent improvement since 2002, the target of a 40 per cent reduction in the rate of injuries by 2012 was not achieved.
“To continue to see a decrease in injury and disease in the workplace we must stay committed to work health and safety and set high targets to ensure safer workplaces for all Australians,” said Ms Baxter.
“It is through raising awareness of work health and safety and encouraging workers to speak up about hazards that these figures will continue to drop. Safe Work Australia Month is the perfect opportunity to do this.”
To view the Comparative Performance Monitoring report or to find out more about how you can raise awareness of work health and safety at your workplace this Safe Work Australia Monthvisit www.swa.gov.au
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