National OHS Strategy target measurement

The National OHS Strategy 2002-2012 provides the framework for collective efforts to improve Australia's work health and safety performance. The Strategy sets national targets to reduce the incidence of work-related injury fatalities by at least 20% and to reduce the incidence of workplace injury (including musculoskeletal disorders) by at least 40% by 30 June 2012. Interim targets to be achieved by 30 June 2007 were to reduce work related fatalities by 10% and to reduce workplace injury by 20%. In addition, there is an aspirational goal to have the lowest fatality rate in the world by by 2009.

Progress Against Targets Information Sheet

In an effort to reduce the number of work-related injuries, Safe Work Australia is focussing on reducing the number of injuries due to:

• manual handling (body stressing)
• falls, and
• being hit by or hitting an object.

Priority Mechanisms Information Sheet

Under the National OHS Strategy 2002-2012, five industries were identified to receive priority attention:

• Agriculture, forestry & fishing industry
• Construction
• Health & community services
• Manufacturing, and
• Transport & storage industries