Overview

The workplace fatality rate dropped by 44% between 2007 and 2015. Let’s make sure this trend continues.

About this seminar

Fatalities at work are devastating for everyone involved: workers, their family, their employer and the wider community too. This infographic provides a snapshot into the rates of fatalities in the workplace and key areas of concern for work health and safety.

Data from the infographic

195 workers died in 2015

187 (96%) of fatalities were men

¼ of fatalities were from a vehicle collision in 2015

Agriculture, forestry and fishing highest fatality rate 16.7 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2015

Almost 50% of fatalities were in 2 industries: transport, postal & warehousing and agriculture, forestry & fishing

Fatality rate decreased by 44% between 2007 & 2015

Who is this seminar for?

Work health and safety professionals, researchers and other stakeholders who are interested in statistics about work-related fatalities and injuries. This infographic will also interest workers and employers, specifically those in high-fatality industries, such as agriculture, construction and transport.

About the presenters

Safe Work Australia collects data and conducts research into workplace fatalities, and this infographic uses data drawn from the report listed below.

Additional resources

Related Playlists

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Construction

Statistics

More Videos
Infographic
327 claims per week Most injuries are to the back (29%) and upper limbs (26%) 24% of claims are due to muscular stress whilst handling objects 6% of healthcare employees made a serious claim as a result of being assaulted 2 in 100 residential care service employees experience serious injury Serious claims made between 2013-14 to 2017-18 25% of personal carers 13% of midwifery and nursing professionals 11% of health and welfare support employees

Infographic: serious claims in healthcare and social assistance 2013-14 to 2017-18

26 Jun 2020

Each week, the healthcare and social assistance industry experiences an average of 327 serious injury and disease claims, with most injured workers suffering injuries to the back or upper limbs. This infographic looks at the key factors attributed to serious claims by healthcare professionals, so that we can focus on how to reduce these...
Infographic

Infographic: Fatalities, injuries and solutions in construction

1 Sep 2016

This infographic shows research and data about the most common causes of death and serious injury in the construction industry.

3 Aug 2017 | Video

Don’t ignore an exclusion zone

Josh, a civil plant operator, takes a break from his duties to talk about the importance of paying close attention to exclusion zones while working on a construction site.

6 Dec 2017 | Video

Work-related traumatic injury fatalities 2016

In this broadcast, Kris Garred, Director of Evidence at Safe Work Australia, discusses the Work-related traumatic injury fatalities 2016 report, the statistics within it and the powerful role this data can have on improving safety in Australian workplaces.

27 Sep 2017 | Video

A day in the life of an employer

Employers get the best out of their employees by empowering them to make decisions about their own safety and making them safety aware.

27 Apr 2017 | Video

Jason’s story – a young life lost

A confronting and honest look into the heartache of losing a son and mate to a preventable workplace incident.

10 Apr 2017 | Video

Workplace violence is not ok – keeping emergency departments safe

Alcohol, illicit drug use and pressure on the mental health sector mean the risks to hospital staff and bystanders are growing.
Infographic

Infographic: Thoughts about workplace safety

1 Sep 2016

The information used in this infographic is based on data collected from the 2012 Work Health and Safety Perceptions Survey.

7 Aug 2017 | Video

Electrical safety: protecting you and your workmates

Matt, a fourth year electrical apprentice, takes a minute to share what he’s learnt about staying safe around electricity.
Infographic

Infographic: Agriculture fatality and injury data

1 Sep 2016

The combination of hazards including remote and isolated work, makes agriculture one of the most dangerous industries in which to work.
Infographic

Infographic: Workplace bullying and violence

8 Apr 2017

Presenting some of the key data on bullying and violence in Australian workplaces, this infographic demonstrates the connection between harassment, bullying and violence and work-related mental disorders.

27 Sep 2017 | Video

Building a bully-free workplace

Instead of managing personalities or interpersonal conflicts, proactively change organisational culture.

3 Aug 2017 | Video

Don’t ignore an exclusion zone

Josh, a civil plant operator, takes a break from his duties to talk about the importance of paying close attention to exclusion zones while working on a construction site.

27 Apr 2017 | Video

Jason’s story – a young life lost

A confronting and honest look into the heartache of losing a son and mate to a preventable workplace incident.
Infographic

Infographic: Agriculture fatality and injury data

1 Sep 2016

The combination of hazards including remote and isolated work, makes agriculture one of the most dangerous industries in which to work.

9 Aug 2017 | Video

Safety rules for using power tools

Nick, a leading hand carpenter, knows first-hand the risks that can arise when using power tools and appliances.
Infographic

Infographic: Work health and safety in agriculture

17 Jul 2017

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. In 2015-16, the agriculture industry made up 2.3% of the workforce, but accounted for 23% of worker fatalities.
Infographic

Infographic: Workers’ compensation claims in 2014-15

31 Mar 2017

This infographic provides an overview of key statistics from the Australian Workers' Compensation Statistics 2014-15. This infographic provides an overview of key statistics from the Australian Workers' Compensation Statistics 2014-15 report.

28 Nov 2017 | Video

Managing shift work and workplace fatigue

Every business and industry is affected by fatigue; however some types of work and sectors have an inherently higher risk, particularly when shift work is involved.

7 Aug 2017 | Video

Electrical safety: protecting you and your workmates

Matt, a fourth year electrical apprentice, takes a minute to share what he’s learnt about staying safe around electricity.

9 May 2017 | Video

School zone vs work zone – there is no difference

Lower speed limits in school zones are deeply respected and obeyed by the community. Why should road work zones be any different?
Infographic

Infographic: Road transport data - the big picture

1 Sep 2016

The transport industry recorded the second highest number of work-related fatalities of all industries.

14 Aug 2017 | Video

No place for drugs and alcohol

Working under the influence of drugs and alcohol puts you and everyone around you at risk.

27 Jun 2017 | Video

Djäka madagarritj’ku (Keep safe from danger)

Yolngu traditional owner, M. Mununggurr, speaks to her family about looking out for dangers and risks in daily life and at work, with one common goal – returning home safely to one another.
Infographic

Infographic: Fatalities and injuries in the road transport industry

17 Jul 2017

This infographic is based on the latest data from worker fatalities and workers' compensation claims, and includes statistics on the nature, circumstances and main causes of injuries and fatalities in this industry.

29 Nov 2017 | Video

Asbestos basics for duty holders

If you manage, or are in control of, a workplace, you have a responsibility to protect those who work with asbestos.

9 Aug 2017 | Video

Safety rules for using power tools

Nick, a leading hand carpenter, knows first-hand the risks that can arise when using power tools and appliances.

26 May 2017 | Video

Debunking the myths around low-level speeding

Many people believe that speeding just above the signposted limit is okay and that strict speed enforcement is more for revenue-raising than safety.
Infographic

Infographic: Workplace bullying and violence

8 Apr 2017

Presenting some of the key data on bullying and violence in Australian workplaces, this infographic demonstrates the connection between harassment, bullying and violence and work-related mental disorders.

16 Aug 2017 | Video

Safe use of ladders

While using a ladder can seem intuitive, there are some key points to remember before using it, to ensure your safety and in the event of a fall.

17 Jul 2017 | Video

Stockyard handling

The National Farmers' Federation present a simple four-step process for managing safety risks involved in stockyard handling.
Infographic

Infographic: Serious claims for tradies

1 Aug 2017

This infographic demonstrates the high incidence rate of serious claims in trade occupations compared to other jobs.

6 Dec 2017 | Video

Work-related traumatic injury fatalities 2016

In this broadcast, Kris Garred, Director of Evidence at Safe Work Australia, discusses the Work-related traumatic injury fatalities 2016 report, the statistics within it and the powerful role this data can have on improving safety in Australian workplaces.

14 Aug 2017 | Video

No place for drugs and alcohol

Working under the influence of drugs and alcohol puts you and everyone around you at risk.

5 Jun 2017 | Video

Top tips for doing a safety inspection in your workplace

Safety inspectors from WorkSafe Victoria share their top tips on conducting workplace safety inspections.
Infographic

Infographic: Workers’ compensation claims in 2014-15

31 Mar 2017

This infographic provides an overview of key statistics from the Australian Workers' Compensation Statistics 2014-15. This infographic provides an overview of key statistics from the Australian Workers' Compensation Statistics 2014-15 report.

21 Aug 2017 | Video

Fun, exciting and safe: WHS in major events

Music festivals, sporting events and cultural celebrations are exciting and fun, but what are the safety implications for the staff, contractors and volunteers who make them happen?

17 Jul 2017 | Video

Machinery guarding

Working with machinery is a key part of farming, but it is also one of the leading causes of injury, or even death, on Australian farms.
Infographic

Infographic: First responder fatalities and injuries

12 Sep 2017

Emergency services workers operate in challenging environments, dealing with violence, distress and often death. Since 2003 that work environment has claimed the life of 47 first responders.

16 Aug 2017 | Video

Safe use of ladders

While using a ladder can seem intuitive, there are some key points to remember before using it, to ensure your safety and in the event of a fall.

14 Jun 2017 | Video

Risk managing hazardous manual tasks

Simple design changes and good communication with your workers can lead to big benefits for health and safety in the workplace.
Infographic

Infographic: Fatalities and injuries in the road transport industry

17 Jul 2017

This infographic is based on the latest data from worker fatalities and workers' compensation claims, and includes statistics on the nature, circumstances and main causes of injuries and fatalities in this industry.

21 Aug 2017 | Video

Working at heights

Working at heights is one of the highest risk activities across the industry. Think smart before you start.

18 Jul 2017 | Video

Farm safe, live safe

Farm manager Matthew Sherwood talks about the work health and safety challenges of managing a farm and his reasons for being safe.
Infographic

Infographic: Children’s safety in the workplace

26 Oct 2017

Children and young people in the workplace are especially vulnerable when it comes to safety; when they enter a workplace a person conducting a business or undertaking is responsible.

21 Aug 2017 | Video

Working at heights

Working at heights is one of the highest risk activities across the industry. Think smart before you start.

27 Jun 2017 | Video

Djäka madagarritj’ku (Keep safe from danger)

Yolngu traditional owner, M. Mununggurr, speaks to her family about looking out for dangers and risks in daily life and at work, with one common goal – returning home safely to one another.
Infographic

Infographic: Serious claims for tradies

1 Aug 2017

This infographic demonstrates the high incidence rate of serious claims in trade occupations compared to other jobs.

23 Aug 2017 | Video

Safe use of power tools

Roof tilers use power tools on a daily basis, but no amount of practice can replace following principles of safe use from the get-go.
Infographic

Infographic: Fatalities, injuries and solutions in construction

1 Sep 2016

This infographic shows research and data about the most common causes of death and serious injury in the construction industry.
Infographic

Infographic: Asbestos related claims

28 Nov 2017

There were 176 workers compensated for asbestos-related diseases.

23 Aug 2017 | Video

Safe use of power tools

Roof tilers use power tools on a daily basis, but no amount of practice can replace following principles of safe use from the get-go.

17 Jul 2017 | Video

Stockyard handling

The National Farmers' Federation present a simple four-step process for managing safety risks involved in stockyard handling.
Infographic

Infographic: First responder fatalities and injuries

12 Sep 2017

Emergency services workers operate in challenging environments, dealing with violence, distress and often death. Since 2003 that work environment has claimed the life of 47 first responders.

13 Sep 2017 | Video

A day in the life of a nurse

Emergency nurse Rebecca Caulfield discusses the work health and safety risks of working in a busy emergency department where new and unexpected challenges are a daily occurrence.
Infographic

Infographic: Serious claims for tradies

1 Aug 2017

This infographic demonstrates the high incidence rate of serious claims in trade occupations compared to other jobs.

10 Mar 2017 | Audio

Effective work health and safety risk management

In this podcast, Associate Professor Derek Viner helps listeners understand more about WHS risks and discusses some pragmatic approaches to risk management.

4 Jul 2018 | Video

Preventing illness and disease in tunnel construction workers

Occupational Hygienist Kate Cole highlights international best practice in preventing illness and disease and practical steps to improve work health and safety in tunnelling projects.

17 Jul 2017 | Video

Machinery guarding

Working with machinery is a key part of farming, but it is also one of the leading causes of injury, or even death, on Australian farms.
Infographic

Infographic: Children’s safety in the workplace

26 Oct 2017

Children and young people in the workplace are especially vulnerable when it comes to safety; when they enter a workplace a person conducting a business or undertaking is responsible.

18 Sep 2017 | Video

A day in the life of a chef

Managing numerous kitchen staff across multiple restaurants is all in a day’s work for executive chef Scott Drinkwater who discusses why being safe at work is so important.

18 Aug 2016 | Video

The right start: building safe work for young workers

Supervisors and managers of young workers have the greatest influence on their attitude to work safety.

10 Mar 2017 | Audio

Humanising work health and safety management

Social psychologist Dr Robert Long challenges work health and safety policy makers and industry to move away from the current risk-averse approaches and apply a more social understanding of human judgement and decision making.
Infographic

Infographic: Manufacturing industry – fatalities, injuries and solutions

1 Sep 2016

This infographic provides information about the causes of the high number of worker fatalities and injuries in the manufacturing industry.

18 Jul 2017 | Video

Farm safe, live safe

Farm manager Matthew Sherwood talks about the work health and safety challenges of managing a farm and his reasons for being safe.

18 Sep 2017 | Video

Innovation, safety and productivity in a safety critical business

Communication is crucial to staying on the cutting edge of health and safety at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

10 Mar 2017 | Video

A healthy and safe workplace starts with leadership

This video showcases four companies that, in addition to managing work-related health risks, have developed wellbeing programs that support workers to make healthier choices.

10 Apr 2017 | Video

Why big business needs to lead work health and safety

Renowned national affairs, finance and business journalist Jennifer Hewett spearheads a discussion with some of Australia’s top business leaders about the relationship between good business and workplace safety.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Please let us know.

Share this page:

Facebook    LinkedIn    Twitter    Email

Print / download this page

Print / Save as PDF

Download page as DOCX (Word)

Last modified on Thursday 26 March 2020 [1451|8377]