Australian Workers Remembered Today on World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day

Today, on World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day, the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) and Australians nationwide pause to remember. In 2023 one hundred and seventy-five workers died in Australia as a result of traumatic injury in the workplace, according to data from Safe Work Australia. This number represents more than just a statistic; it reflects the devastating impact workplace fatalities have on families, friends, work colleagues and the community. 

Five mechanisms of injury across a range of industry sectors accounted for one hundred and thirty-seven of those fatalities: vehicle incidents, being hit by a moving object, falling from height, being hit by a falling object and being trapped between stationary and moving objects. These five mechanisms of injury have been the top five mechanisms of fatal injury in Australian workplaces every year since 2003. 

The consistency of this trend in the data underscores the need to use it effectively to inform future strategies and evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention measures in these critical areas. Additionally, we must use the data to detect emerging issues, offering an early intervention opportunity to prevent fatalities in unprecedented circumstances.

Every life lost is preventable and together we must continue to push for work health and safety to receive greater priority, improve standards and an elevated commitment to safety culture within Australian workplaces. 

The AIHS is a powerful force for safer workplaces, thanks to the dedication of our members. It is the voice of the profession advocating for contemporary policy and practice, promoting organisations' commitment to a stronger safety culture from the top, and ensuring the expertise of the profession in this ever-changing world of work. By taking decisive action, we can create safer workplaces for all Australians.

AIHS Chair Mr Cameron Montgomery said “Today, we remember those who have lost their lives at work. We also recommit ourselves to the fight for safer workplaces.”

Mr Montgomery went on to say, “The members of our profession stand ready to collaborate with Safe Work Australia, Regulators, employers, industry groups, manufacturers, employee representatives, and any other group engaged in the fight to make workplaces safer, to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.”

ENDS

Media Enquiries:
AIHS Contact: Rebecca Turnbull
Tel: (03) 8336 1995
Email: [email protected]

About the AIHS: With a 75-year history, the Australian Institute of Health & Safety is Australia’s national association for the workplace health and safety profession, with a vision for safe and healthy people in productive workplaces and communities.