Workplace safety shouldn’t be left to chance. A recent report from Safe Work Australia shows that Australia has made major progress in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities. The current injury rate is 3.5%—a third of the global rate of 12.1%. However, there’s still much work to do.
In the past decade, over 1,880 people have tragically lost their lives due to workplace injuries. Additionally, more than 1.16 million workers have filed serious compensation claims involving over a week of lost working time. These statistics remind us that no industry or occupation is immune to workplace risks. The effects extend beyond the individual, impacting families, communities, and businesses.
The Cost of Inaction
Safe Work Australia’s research, Safer, Healthier, Wealthier, reveals the financial impact of work-related injuries and illnesses. If eliminated, Australia’s economy could grow by $28.6 billion annually. Plus, 185,500 new full-time jobs could be created, and wages across industries would rise by an average of 1.3%. Clearly, prioritising health and safety benefits everyone.
However, managing workplace health and safety comes with challenges. The latest Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2024
report shows that 76% of workplace injury fatalities and 61% of serious compensation claims come from just six industries: agriculture, forestry and fishing, public administration and safety, transport, manufacturing, health care, and construction. Vehicle incidents remain the leading cause of fatalities, followed by falls from heights, which saw a staggering 71% increase over the previous year.
These incidents cost lives and have a severe financial impact. Mental health conditions are also rising, now making up 11% of all serious claims. The median time lost from work for mental health issues is five times higher than for other injuries.
Are You Managing Safety—or Relying on Luck?
If your organisation isn’t actively managing workplace safety, you may be relying on luck to avoid serious incidents. But luck isn’t a strategy. Without a strong health and safety system, the risk of accidents—and resulting prosecutions—is high.
For example, failing to maintain proper training records for employees involved in incidents can lead to legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Recent law changes in Queensland mean businesses can no longer rely on insurance to cover fines from safety prosecutions. These penalties must be paid directly by business owners.
How 2iB Can Help
With such high stakes, businesses need the right tools to manage workplace health and safety. That’s where 2iB comes in. Our comprehensive business Compliance Management Software suite
helps organisations proactively manage safety, ensure compliance, and reduce the risk of accidents. From training records to incident reporting, 2iB’s all-in-one solution simplifies the process, eliminating the need for multiple systems.
Curious how 2iB HSEQ can transform your business? Contact us today for a personalised demo. Also, visit our Business Management Software, Compliance Management Software, and Productivity Software pages for more details.
Don’t leave safety to chance—let 2iB help you protect your workforce, reputation, and bottom line.