Key WHS Statistics – Australia 2024

Each year, Safe Work Australia produces national work health and safety statistics, providing important evidence on the state of work health and safety in Australia.

Key Work Health and Safety Statistics, Australia 2024 provides an overview of the latest national data on work-related fatalities and workers’ compensation claims. This includes trends, gender and age comparisons, and industry and occupation breakdowns.

Understanding the causes of injury and the industries most affected can help reduce work-related fatalities, injuries and disease. Work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have a devastating impact on workers, their families and the community.

Tragically, 200 workers died in 2023 – of which 29 were killed due to a fall from height.

Source: SafeWork Australia 

The mechanism of incident refers to the overall action, exposure or event that describes the circumstances that resulted in a worker fatality.

The number of deaths due to Falls from a height increased in 2023 and was the second highest contributor of worker fatalities overall. 29 worker fatalities (15%) were attributable to the mechanism of incident Falls from a height in 2023. This is 32% higher than the 5-year average of 22 worker fatalities per year (2019 to 2023). 45% (13) of Falls from a height worker deaths in 2023 occurred within the Construction industry. This was followed by worker deaths in the Arts and recreation services, Mining, and Transport, postal and warehousing industries, with 10% (3) worker fatalities occurring in each of those industries in 2023. Nearly 80% of workers who died due to Falls from a height were Labourers (41%, 12), Technician and trades workers (21%, 6) or Machinery operator and drivers (17%, 5) in 2023.

For the last 6 years straight, falls from height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in Australia. 

2017-18
28 falls from height (15%)
15 being hit by falling objects (8%)

2018-19
18 falls from height (13%)
15 being hit by falling objects (10%)

2019-20
21 falls from height (11%)
21 being hit by falling objects (11%)

2020-21
22 falls from height (11%)
17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2021-22
19 falls from height (11%)
16 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2022-23
17 falls from height (9%)
17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2023-24
29 falls from height (15%)
12 being hit by falling objects (6%)

In 2023, 62% of worker fatalities occurred in 3 industries. Transport, postal and warehousing fatalities accounted for 26% (51 fatalities), followed by fatalities in the Construction industry (23%; 45 fatalities) and Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry (14%; 27 fatalities). There were also some differences from the long-term average:

  • the number of fatalities in the Construction industry in 2023 (45) was 36% higher than the 5-year average for this industry (33), and
  • the number of fatalities in the Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in 2023 (27) was 25% lower than the 5-year average (36).

Over the 10 years to 2022-23p, the proportion of claims for Mental health conditions has increased from 6.4% in 2012-
13 to 10.5% in 2022‑23p. Over this period the number of serious claims for Mental health conditions has increased by 7,200 (97.3%).

  • This represents the second largest growth in the number of serious claims for a nature of injury/illness major group observed over the period (just behind the growth of 8,000 Infectious diseases serious claims, driven by COVID-19).

Mental health conditions are one of the costliest forms of workplace injury. They lead to significantly more time off work and higher compensation paid when compared to physical injuries and diseases.

  • The median time lost from Mental health condition serious claims in 2021-22 (37.0 working weeks) was more than 5 times the median time lost across all serious claims (7.2).
  • The median compensation paid for Mental health condition serious claims in 2021‑22 ($65,400) was more than 4 times the median compensation paid across all serious claims ($14,400).

Why you should engage a business consultant

Ascend QM is a business specialising in the working at heights sector, particularly in the IRATA International and ISO fields. At Ascend we focus on providing expert guidance and solutions to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in industries that required work in elevated environments. Our services include consultation on implementing ISO and IRATA International standards in the workplace for safe and efficient operations at heights.

We often get asked ‘why engage a consultant’? And it’s an important question to ask!

Business consultancy is essential for several reasons, as it helps companies improve their performance, overcome challenges, and achieve growth. Here are some key reasons why business consultancy is important:

1. Expertise and Experience

Consultants bring specialized knowledge and experience across various industries and functions. They offer insights that may not be readily available within the company, helping businesses navigate complex issues like process optimization, compliance, or market expansion.

2. Objective Perspective

External consultants provide an unbiased, objective viewpoint on a company’s operations. This fresh perspective helps identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or opportunities that internal teams might overlook due to familiarity or office politics.

3. Problem-Solving

Businesses often face specific challenges—whether financial, operational, or strategic—that they may not have the resources or know-how to resolve. Consultants are skilled in diagnosing problems and developing actionable solutions.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

While hiring a consultant is an upfront investment, it can save a company money in the long run. Consultants can help streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity, which leads to cost savings.

5. Specialized Skills

Some projects or changes require highly specialized skills or expertise that a company may not have in-house. For example, implementing new technology, complying with regulations, or achieving certifications like ISO standards often require expert guidance.

6. Time Efficiency

Bringing in consultants allows businesses to quickly tackle issues without diverting internal resources. This helps ensure that projects stay on schedule and that employees remain focused on their core tasks.

7. Change Management

Consultants are valuable during times of transformation, such as mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring. They can manage the transition process, helping ensure smooth execution while minimizing disruptions.

8. Growth and Innovation

Business consultants help identify new market opportunities, foster innovation, and implement strategies for growth. They can guide companies in expanding to new markets, improving product lines, or adopting new technologies.

9. Training and Development

In addition to providing solutions, consultants often train staff on new practices, systems, or processes. This helps organizations build internal capabilities for sustained success beyond the consultancy.

10. Risk Mitigation

Consultants can assist with risk analysis and mitigation strategies. They help companies prepare for uncertainties by identifying potential risks and developing contingency plans, ensuring long-term sustainability.

In summary, business consultancy drives efficiency, innovation, and growth by providing companies with the tools and strategies needed to compete in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Guide to Equipment Inspection for Working at Heights

Article written for the Working at Height Association.

Working at heights presents unique challenges, particularly in safety management, making regular equipment inspection vital to ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. Without proper oversight of equipment like harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and anchor points, workers are exposed to increased risks of accidents and injuries. Organizations like the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) emphasize the importance of strict equipment inspection protocols to uphold safety standards.

In this article, we explore the critical aspects of equipment inspection, focusing on best practices and guidelines that align with industry standards. You can learn more about these standards and regulations by exploring WAHA’s website.

Why is Equipment Inspection Important?

In any work environment that involves heights, faulty or worn-out equipment can lead to severe consequences, including falls and other potentially fatal incidents. Inspections ensure that all equipment used in working at heights is safe, reliable, and compliant with the relevant standards. Regular equipment checks not only protect workers but also help organizations avoid legal repercussions from non-compliance with safety regulations.

Some key reasons why equipment inspections are essential include:

  • Preventing equipment failure: Regular checks identify wear and tear before it becomes a hazard.
  • Ensuring compliance: Inspections are often required to comply with national and international safety standards.
  • Minimizing liability: Ensuring all equipment is up to date reduces legal and financial risks.
  • Worker confidence: Employees feel safer knowing the equipment they are using is regularly inspected and maintained.

Types of Equipment Requiring Inspection

When working at heights, there are several key pieces of equipment that must undergo regular inspections. Each type has specific wear indicators and usage thresholds, making it vital to be familiar with the warning signs for each.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    Harnesses: Inspections should look for frayed webbing, damage to buckles, and signs of excessive wear. Ensure labels with weight limits and manufacturing dates are legible.
    Lanyards and Shock Absorbers: Check for cuts, burns, or chemical exposure, and test shock absorbers for signs of activation.
    Helmets: Helmets should be inspected for cracks, internal padding wear, and damage to chin straps.
  2. Anchors and Connectors
    Anchor Points: Ensure that the fixed or portable anchor points used for rope access or fall arrest systems are securely installed, undamaged, and tested for required load capacity.
    Carabiners and Hooks: Examine for wear on gate mechanisms, corrosion, and deformation, ensuring they lock and unlock smoothly.
  3. Ropes and Cables
    Lifelines and Safety Ropes: Inspect for abrasions, cuts, and signs of UV degradation. Ropes should be checked for any contamination from chemicals or moisture, which could compromise strength.
    Fall Arrest Blocks: Ensure the casing is intact, the retraction mechanism is functioning properly, and check for internal damage, particularly after a fall arrest.

Frequency of Inspections

According to guidelines provided by WAHA and other safety organizations, inspections must occur at regular intervals, varying based on usage frequency and environmental conditions.

Pre-Use Inspections – Workers shall perform an inspection of each item of personal and common use equipment before and after each use per ASNZS 1891.4 section 9.2. This simple step can detect obvious issues, such as broken or missing components. 

Formal Periodic Inspections – For high-use or critical equipment, formal inspections should be carried out at least every 6-12 months by a competent person. These inspections are more thorough, often involving disassembly and testing.

Post-Incident Inspections – Any equipment involved in a fall or other significant incident must be inspected before being put back into service. In some cases, the equipment may need to be retired if its integrity has been compromised.

How to Conduct an Effective Inspection

1. Create a Checklist – Use a standardised checklist to ensure all components are reviewed during inspections. WAHA provides templates for our Members that can be customized for specific equipment types.

2. Document the Inspection – Documentation is critical to tracking the lifecycle and maintenance history of each piece of equipment. Record the inspection date, the condition of the equipment, any issues found, and the actions taken.

3. Involve a Competent Person – A competent person should carry out inspections, which means a person who has, through a combination of training, qualification and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task.

4. Take Equipment Out of Service if Necessary – If any issues are identified that compromise safety, the equipment must be removed from service immediately and either repaired or replaced.

Regular equipment inspections are not just about ticking off a regulatory requirement—they are about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every worker operating at heights. By adopting a proactive approach to equipment inspection and maintenance, you not only comply with WAHA and other industry regulations but also foster a culture of safety that can prevent life-threatening accidents.

For more information on best practices and inspection standards, you can subscribe to the Small Business Set of Australian Standards and review ASNZS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, Use & Maintenance, or review our Technical Bulletin on Equipment Inspection and Maintenance.

SafeWork Australia release guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work

Rooftop solar installation work includes retailing, surveying, designing, installing, testing, commissioning, repairing, maintaining, decommissioning or removing rooftop solar systems on residential or commercial structures.

There are serious work health and safety risks associated with rooftop solar installation work, including working at heights, falling objects, heat stress and working with electricity.

Safe Work Australia has developed a new guide to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers manage the risks to health and safety associated with rooftop solar installation work – from retail and planning to installation and testing.

Download our guide today to find out more about managing the risks behind rooftop solar installation work.