In 2012–13, work-related injury and disease cost the Australian economy $61.8 billion, representing 4.1% of GDP.
- The majority of the cost (95%) was borne by individuals and society.
- Workers bore 77%, the community 18% and employers 5%.
- Injuries accounted for $28 billion (45%) of the cost.
Breakdown by age and sex
- Human capital costs are calculated based on a valuation of potential production forgone due to a work-related injury or disease. For this reason, the unit cost is significantly higher for those aged 15–24 and 25–34 years and decreases as workers near retirement age.
- The unit cost of a work-related injury or illness was significantly higher for males than for females. Incidents involving males accounted for nearly two thirds of the total economic cost while making up just over 60% of the total number of incidents.
Cost ($ million) of work-related injury and illness, by sex and age group, 2012–13
|
Age group |
Total Cost ($ million) |
Distribution (%) |
Unit Cost |
||||
|
Injury |
Disease |
Total |
Costs |
Cases |
$/case |
||
|
15 to 24 years |
5,800 |
6,900 |
12,700 |
21 |
17 |
143,700 |
|
|
25 to 34 years |
7,500 |
9,600 |
17,100 |
28 |
21 |
156,500 |
|
|
35 to 44 years |
7,400 |
9,500 |
16,900 |
27 |
23 |
139,100 |
|
|
45 to 54 years |
5,400 |
5,900 |
11,300 |
18 |
23 |
91,400 |
|
|
55 years and over |
2,100 |
1,600 |
3,800 |
6 |
16 |
43,800 |
|
|
Sex |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Female |
9,300 |
12,500 |
21,900 |
35.4 |
39.8 |
103,900 |
|
|
Male |
18,900 |
21,000 |
39,900 |
64.6 |
60.2 |
125,000 |
|
|
Australia |
28,200 |
33,500 |
61,800 |
100 |
100 |
116,700 |
|
Units are rounded to the nearest $100 million