We took a look at the stats and uncovered 'body stresses' as the most common cause of workplace injuries and diseases.
Be careful of lifting heavy objects and watch your step during working hours. According to Safework Australia's latest workers compensation statistics, 'body stresses' accounted for 41.70% of total claims. This is followed by falls, trips and slips (22.4%) and being hit by moving objects (14.8%).
| Reason for injury or disease | Claims | Percentage of total claims |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Body stresses | 44,400 | 41.70% |
| 2. Falls, trips and slips | 23,825 | 22.40% |
| 3. Being hit by moving objects | 15,730 | 14.80% |
| 4. Hitting inanimate objects with parts of your own body | 7,560 | 7.10% |
| 5. Vehicles | 6,620 | 6.20% |
| 6. Heat, electricity and the environment | 1,520 | 1.40% |
| 7. Chemicals and substance accidents | 885 | 0.80% |
| 8. Accidents from biological factors | 340 | 0.30% |
Source: Australian Workers’ Compensation Statistics, 2013–14
Top 8 causes of injuries and diseases in the Workplace
1. Body stresses
In its 2013–2014 report on Australian Workers’ Compensation Statistics*, Safe Work Australia found that the leading cause of injuries in the workplace is body stressing.The findings show that there were 44,400 instances of body stressing reported in the workplace during the 2013-2014 period. This is almost twice the amount of falls, trips and slips reported, which is the next leading cause for claims.
This condition describes muscular stress that can involve lifting or carrying objects.
2. Falls, trips and slips
There were 23,825 reported incidents of workplace falls, trips and slips, the majority of which were caused by environmental features such as steps and traffic areas.
These three occurrences can be defined as follows:
- Falls result from slipping or tripping or falling from low heights such as steps, stairs and curbs or into a hole, ditch or body of water.
- Slips result from losing traction due to wearing inappropriate footwear or walking on slippery floor surfaces.
- Trips result from catching your foot on an object or surface such as uneven flooring, loose mats or electrical cables.
3. Being hit by moving objects
The third leading cause of workplace injuries is being hit by moving objects. This includes falling objects, moving machinery and equipment, and being assaulted by another person or persons. There were 15,730 reported incidents in the findings, and more than a quarter of these involved animals, humans or biological agencies.
4. Hitting inanimate objects with parts of your own body
The next biggest cause of injuries is hitting objects with a part of the body. This includes injuries resulting from hitting, grasping or otherwise striking an object. Over 7,500 such cases were reported, nearly half of which involved non-powered hand tools, appliances and equipment.
5. Vehicles accidents
A total of 6,620 vehicle-related incidents were reported between 2013 and 2014. Of these, more than half were attributed to animal, human and biological causes.
Vehicle incidents make up the next highest number of injuries that occur in the workplace and fleet vehicles have been shown through research to have a higher rate of involvement in crashes per year than non-fleet vehicles**.
6. Heat, electricity and the environment
There were 1,520 incidents relating to heat, electricity and the environment, nearly half of which involved contact with materials and substances. Injuries in this category can occur in the following ways:
- Heat-related illnesses such as fatigue and hypothermia can arise when working in high temperatures, high sunlight and/or high humidity.
- Electrical shocks and other injuries can result from contact with exposed wires, electrified surfaces and faulty electrical equipment.
- Environmental injuries can be caused by anything in the physical working environment such as lighting, ventilation and plant and machinery.
7. Chemicals and substance accidents
There were 885 reported cases of injuries due to chemicals and other substances. Just under half of these related to chemicals and chemical products.
Chemical hazards can include:
- Health hazards: acute or chronic adverse health effects due to exposure to chemicals through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.
- Physicochemical hazards: injuries that are often caused by inappropriate handling or use of flammable, corrosive, explosive or reactive chemicals.
8. Accidents from biological factors
There were 340 workplace incidents involving biological factors reported, the majority caused by animal, human and biological agencies.
Biological hazards are organic substances that pose a threat to human health. They include pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, toxins, spores, fungi and bio-active substances.
Workers most at risk from biological hazards include laboratory workers, healthcare professionals, sanitary workers and those involved with certain industrial processes.
Will workers compensation cover all workplace incidents?
While workers compensation will cover you for workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses, benefit limits and periods may be shorter than whats adequate for you. You might want to consider income protection.
Income protection vs workers compensation
