Over-represented industries for work injury claims

(04 October 2023)

While Safe Work Month is the time when all workplaces should be committed to reviewing, building and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces, four industries have a bigger gap to bridge as they are over-represented when it comes to work injury claims.

In the 2023 financial year, manufacturing businesses were the most over-represented as they made up 6.1% of businesses registered with ReturnToWorkSA but accounted for 20.1% of claims.

This was followed by construction making up 15.8% of businesses and accounting for 17.5% of claims, transport at 4.2% of businesses and 7.2% of claims, and health care and social assistance making up 8.1% of registered businesses but accounting for 10.4% of claims.

National Safe Work Month is a great opportunity to encourage all individuals and organisations to prioritise safety in their workplaces and work towards reducing the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

One way of doing this is by holding a SafeTea chat at your workplace during October, where you gather your team and have an important conversation about health and safety at work.

Visit the Safe Work Australia website for a SafeTea plan and for additional resources including a conversation starter dice and checklist.

ReturnToWorkSA also has a range of free services to assist you and your workplace in injury prevention, injury management, and mental health. Visit the ReturnToWorkSA website to learn more about these services and how we can support your workplace.

For more information about National Safe Work Month, visit the Safe Work Australia website.