Each year, thousands of Australian workers suffer one of the Top 9 common workplace injuries with far-reaching effects.
Our legal guide covers nine of the most common workplace injuries in Australia, their causes and how to prevent them. We also discuss your rights regarding workers’ compensation claims if you suffer one of the common injuries either at work or during work-related activities.
Check it out!
Here is the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics about the most common causes of workplace injuries.
Of all the occupation groups, personal service workers, trades workers, and manual labourers were the most likely to be injured at work.
The age group 45 to 54 are also more likely to suffer workplace injuries
In Australia, the most common types of workplace injuries include musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), slips, trips, and falls, injuries from falling objects, and psychological injuries.
To claim workers’ compensation, the injury or illness must be work-related, meaning it was sustained in the course of employment or due to work activities. The eligibility factors include:
Employers are legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover workers’ compensation claims, which is usually WorkCover. This insurance covers:
Both full-time and part-time employees, as well as some contractors and volunteers, may be eligible depending on the jurisdiction.
Serious workers’ compensation claims involving permanent impairment can result in a lump sum payout. Workers’ compensation benefits can pay the following:
The most common injuries at work can range from minor cuts to serious, life-changing incidents. According to Safe Work Australia, the most common types include the following:
Slips, trips, and falls represent a significant proportion of serious workplace claims, accounting for approximately 21.8% of all claims, making them the leading cause of workplace injuries across industries.
Overexertion occurs during heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, throwing or carrying heavy objects. It commonly causes strains and sprains, particularly in the back, shoulder or rotator cuff, and upper limbs.
RSIs, also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), can develop after spending long hours:
Common outcomes include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and tenosynovitis. Office workers are especially at risk due to poor ergonomics and extended computer use.
Manual lifting or working near heavy machinery frequently results in injuries for trades workers and machinery operators. They commonly face risks of:
The common causes include unguarded machinery, lack of training, equipment malfunctions, or poor lockout/tagout procedures.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture report higher rates of these incidents.
In many industries, especially construction, warehousing and manufacturing, workers are at risk of being hit by objects or equipment. These can happen when:
Injuries range from minor bumps to serious ones like concussions, fractures, crush injuries or internal damage. Unsecured materials, lack of barriers and awareness are common causes.
Psychological injuries from work stress affect about 10% of all workplace claims, representing a growing challenge in occupational safety. The average length of time off work for mental health claims is 15.3 weeks, compared to 5.5 weeks for all claims.
Workplace hazards that cause mental health issues can result in diagnosed conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), caused by:
Conditions like PTSD can result in serious claims. Consequently, Australian WHS laws now cover psychological and psychosocial hazards.
Burn injuries can happen at work due to contact with:
Workers in food services, manufacturing, and maintenance industries are particularly at risk. These injuries can range from minor skin burns to tissue damage requiring medical intervention.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause:
Industries using solvents, cleaning agents, or industrial chemicals are most affected.
Electric shocks, burns, or electrocution occur when working with faulty wiring, exposed circuits, or unsafe electrical practices.
Electricians, maintenance staff, and construction workers face higher risks, especially where lockout/tagout and safety protocols are not followed while doing electrical work.
So what are the underlying causes of workplace injuries?. In Australian workplaces, the most frequent causes include:
Consequently, manual handling procedures should be put in place to prevent injuries at work.
In Australia, falling from a height is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries.
Sadly, many workplaces have insufficient safety systems; particularly in high-risk sectors like medical, construction and agriculture, where people do manual work. Examples include:
Shift-based industries such as healthcare, transport, and mining often require long or irregular hours of doing loading/unloading jobs, contributing to mental and physical fatigue. The risk of accidents with heavy equipment or hazardous materials increases due to:
Poor housekeeping practices are especially prevalent in warehouses, workshops, and commercial kitchens, with slip, trip and fall hazards such as:
Unfortunately, regular cleaning schedules and clear storage protocols are sometimes missing or ignored.
Preventing workplace accidents is not just about following rules; it’s about building a culture of safe work environments where everyone:
Below are proven strategies that can help reduce risks and create a healthier, more productive work environment.
Before you can plan for a safe work environment, you need to understand:
First, introduce regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards, whether that’s faulty wiring, slippery floors, or heavy machinery.
Once risks are spotted, they can be addressed with preventive measures. Involving employees in the process also provides valuable insights, as they often notice things that management might overlook.
Workplace conditions change over time. What was safe last month might not be safe today. Consequently, injuries can be prevented by investigating their causes and making necessary changes in the workplace.
Data shows that effective staff training can reduce the number of workplace injuries, but it should not be a one-time event. Employees need continuous, practical training to stay updated on best practices, including:
Well-trained employees not only protect themselves but also contribute to the overall safety of their co-workers.
Even with all precautions in place, some jobs require additional protection, such as helmets, gloves, goggles, high-visibility clothing and appropriate footwear.
But simply providing PPE isn’t enough; it must be well-fitted, comfortable, and employees should be trained on how to use and maintain it properly.
A healthy workforce is a safer workforce. Fatigue, stress, and health issues can increase the likelihood of mistakes and accidents. That’s why employers should:
When people feel physically and mentally well, they are generally more alert and cautious on the job.
Cluttered work areas are a hidden danger; loose cables, scattered tools, or blocked pathways can easily cause trips, slips, or delays during emergencies.
Every workplace should have clearly defined safety rules that everyone follows, including:
Standardised conventions eliminate confusion, especially in high-risk environments, and ensure employees know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.
Proactive planning goes beyond reacting to accidents. Creating a WHS management system can help track workplace injuries and their causes.
Faulty equipment is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries because machines that are poorly maintained can malfunction unexpectedly, putting workers at risk.
It’s important to remember that PPE is a key frontline defence in high-risk workplaces. Employers must ensure PPE is always available, easy to access, and replaced when worn out.
Even with the best workplace health and safety procedures, accidents can happen. What you do in the first hours and days matters for your health, your rights and your recovery. Here’s what to do next:
Get first aid or emergency care straight away. Don’t ignore even minor injuries; get seen by a doctor to protect your health and get advice to start your recovery.
Tell your supervisor or manager as soon as you can. Your injury should be logged in the workplace incident register. Delaying reporting can impact the Workers’ compensation process.
If possible, please note what happened, where it happened, and who witnessed it. Photos, witness details and written notes are handy later for insurance or workers’ comp claims.
Next, lodge a WorkCover claim form. Your employer should also make a report to WorkCover, but this does not start your claim. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
Your employer must notify their workers’ comp insurer once you’ve reported your injury.
You have the right to seek legal advice regarding your entitlements if you have suffered workplace injuries in Australia.
Safe Work Australia data shows the most common workplace injuries include:
Minor injuries at work are typically those that do not lead to permanent impairment or hospitalisation. Examples include:
Safe Work Australia data shows that the leading cause of workplace injuries in Australia is body stress from overexertion while pushing, pulling, and lifting.
Yes, work-related psychological injuries and stress-related conditions are covered if they arise from your employment. These claims require medical evidence linking the mental health condition to workplace factors and may have different reporting requirements than physical injuries.
Psychological injury claims can be challenging to prove, so it’s best to seek advice about your options.
