Australia is a prosperous country with a robust economy that offers ample employment opportunities to its citizens. However, every year, a significant number of workers lose their lives while on the job, which highlights the need for stricter safety measures across various industries.

In this article, we will discuss the top three employment industries that have the highest fatalities at work in Australia:

1. Transport, Postal and Warehousing
The transport, postal, and warehousing industry is the most hazardous industry in Australia. It employs more than half a million workers and accounts accounted for 31% of all work-related fatalities in 2021*. The risks faced by workers in this industry include road accidents, falls from height, and being hit by moving objects. In addition, truck drivers face a higher risk of fatalities due to long working hours, fatigue, and stress.

2. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
According to the latest data released by Safe Work Australia, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry had the highest number of fatalities in 2021, accounting for 20% of all workplace fatalities*. The industry is notorious for its hazardous working conditions, including exposure to pesticides, animal attacks, machinery accidents, and long working hours. Farmers and farm workers face a higher risk of fatalities, primarily due to the use of heavy machinery, such as tractors, and working with large animals.

3. Construction
The construction industry is the third most dangerous sector in terms of fatalities in Australia. The industry employs around 1.2 million people, making up roughly 9% of the total workforce. In 2020, 14% of all work-related fatalities were in the construction industry*, with the majority of the deaths occurring due to falls from heights, followed by vehicle-related accidents, and being hit by objects.

In conclusion, the transport, postal, and warehousing industry, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing and construction industries are the top three employment sectors in Australia with the highest fatalities at work. To reduce the number of fatalities, these industries need to implement stricter safety regulations, provide adequate training, and ensure that workers have access to the necessary safety equipment. Employers and employees alike must work together to create a safer workplace for everyone.

While safety regulations and training are essential in reducing workplace fatalities, using technology to improve safety measures is also critical. Online safety management software, such as Worx Inductions, can assist in automating safety procedures, keeping track of employee certifications, and managing safety audits. With these types of tools, companies can streamline their safety processes and identify potential hazards, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and fatalities.

Therefore, it is crucial for employers to consider incorporating online safety management software into their safety plans to ensure the safety of their employees while on the job. Speak to our team about how Worx could be implemented into your company by making  contact, or if you prefer, you can book an online demo.

_{* Source: https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/interactive-data/key-whs-statistics}