The recently released Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2023 report is now available on the Safe Work Australia interactive data website. It provides an overview of the latest national statistics for work-related fatalities, injuries, and disease. As a member of NECA, it's crucial to learn from these statistics to ensure worker safety in the electrical and related industries.
One concerning statistic is the number of work-related fatalities in 2022, with 195 lives lost on the job. The report reveals that machinery operators and drivers had the highest number of fatalities by occupation, while the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry had the highest worker fatality rate. Additionally, 93% of worker fatalities were male, highlighting the need for gender-specific safety measures.
In Victoria, there were 75 recorded workplace fatalities, an alarming 97% of which involved male victims. Furthermore, 44% of these fatalities occurred among individuals aged 45 and above. The Transport, Postal, and Warehousing industry accounted for the highest number of fatalities, followed by construction in third place, and the electrical industry ranking ninth.
Another alarming statistic is the increase of mental health conditions accounted for in serious workers' compensation claims. Mental health conditions accounted for 9.2% or 11,700 claims in 2021-22, a substantial increase from 6.5% of all serious claims in 2011-12. In Victoria alone, there were 2,844 Workcover claims with 4.5% being mental health claims which is a slight increase from last year. Prioritising the mental well-being of workers and having appropriate support systems in place is essential.
NECA HSEQ Plus aim to mitigate risks and ensure workplace safety. A comprehensive safety management system, including risk assessment, incident reporting, and investigation, is crucial. The NECA Safety Team offers various services, including safety audits, training, and compliance monitoring, aimed at assisting NECA members in establishing a safe work environment.
NECA members are encouraged to contact NECA Safety team 1300 300 031 or via email at [email protected] to learn more NECA HSEQ Plus and other safety services. Prioritising workplace safety is vital to prevent work-related fatalities, injuries, and disease. Let's work together to create a safer workplace for all workers in the electrical and related industries.