Safety in Australia’s workplaces has improved significantly over the years, yet recent statistics show that too many workers are still being injured or worse, fatally harmed. For electrical contractors, where safety is paramount, understanding the trends, risks, and challenges is essential to protecting employees and ensuring a healthy, productive business.
According to Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2024, 200 Australian workers tragically lost their lives due to traumatic work-related injuries in 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year. While Australia’s injury rate of 3.5% is considerably lower than the global rate of 12.1%, the reality is that work-related injuries and illnesses continue to have a significant impact on workers and businesses alike. In fact, the report found that, over the past decade, over 1,165,100 serious workers’ compensation claims have been made by employees who lost at least one week of work due to injury.
Key statistics
The construction industry, which includes electrical contractors, accounted for 23% of all worker fatalities in 2023, with 45 workers losing their lives. This figure is 36% higher than the five-year average for the industry. Falls from a height are of particular concern, representing 15% of all worker deaths across all industries, and 45% of those falls occurred in the construction sector.
Given that falls from a height are a prevalent hazard in electrical work, these statistics are an important reminder of the need for proper safety protocols and equipment. Ensuring that all workers are trained in the use of safety harnesses, ladders, and scaffolding is critical to reducing these incidents.
Furthermore, machinery operators and drivers, which could include some electrical professionals who operate heavy machinery or vehicles on the job, accounted for 37% of worker fatalities, the highest of any occupation.
Rising mental health challenges
While physical injuries dominate safety discussions, mental health conditions are an increasingly significant part of the picture. The report reveals that mental health-related claims now account for 10.5% of all serious workers’ compensation claims, with a 19.2% increase in these claims from 2021-22. For electrical contractors, this means being mindful not only of physical hazards but also of the mental strain that can accompany demanding, high-pressure work environments.
Mental health claims are not only costly but also involve significant time away from work. The median time lost for mental health claims is 37 weeks—five times the time lost for physical injuries. Addressing this growing issue involves providing mental health support, promoting work-life balance, and creating a positive work culture that recognises the mental health needs of employees.
The economic case for safety
Beyond the human toll, work-related injuries and illnesses have a substantial economic impact. The research shows that if work-related injuries and illnesses were eliminated, Australia’s economy could grow by $28.6 billion annually. Additionally, this would create 185,500 full-time jobs, boosting the economy across all sectors.
For electrical contractors, investing in safety means not only protecting your employees but also benefiting your bottom line. Fewer injuries result in lower workers’ compensation costs, less downtime, and a more engaged workforce. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that demonstrates a commitment to their health and safety, reducing turnover and improving overall productivity.
Master Electricians Australia can help you to manage your safety requirements for your business.
Our comprehensive safety solution, ME Safety, is a compliant safety system that provides a single holistic package.
Using cloud technology, it can be used on a number of platforms to help you manage your workplace safety in real time.
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- A support hotline – Our national team of advisors are waiting for your call.
- Safety tools – Keep tracks of tasks, records, licences and more.
- Safety documents – Templates and documents including SWMS, policies, procedures and more.
