Safework Australia’s Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2024 reveals there were 200 people fatally injured at work last year, and while Australia’s work-related injury rate is about one-third the global rate, its impact is significant. This year’s Workplace Health & Safety Show starts today at Sydney Showground, with a program designed to strengthen safety culture in Australian businesses.
Supported by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety, more than 7000 professionals are expected over the two days, with attendees responsible for occupational health and safety and workforce wellbeing at Australia’s largest companies and worksites, including safety, health and environmental buyers and end-users to safety resellers and retailers, senior executives and HSE professionals, people and culture professionals, contractors as well as safety managers and supervisors.
Safe Work Australia said the country’s safety at work has “improved significantly” over time, dropping by 19 per cent since 2013, but 200 fatalities in 2023 was five per cent higher than the five-year average of 191 people. Australia’s work-related injury rate is 3.5 per cent, or about one-third the global rate of 12.1 per cent.
Also, 76 per cent of work-related traumatic injury fatalities and 61 per cent of serious workers’ compensation claims occurred in just six industries:
- agriculture, forestry and fishing;
- public administration and safety;
- transport, postal and warehousing;
- manufacturing;
- health care and social assistance; and
- construction.
Vehicle incidents account for the largest proportion of worker fatalities (42 per cent, 84 people). Falls from a height was the second highest contributor, increasing 71 per cent since 2022, from 17 to 29 fatalities.
Mental health conditions now account for 10.5 per cent of all serious claims, with the median time lost from work in these cases more than five times longer than that recorded across all injuries and diseases.
Over the past 10 years, more than 1880 people have been killed in Australian workplaces and over 1.1 million made workers’ compensation claims that involved more than one week of lost working time.
Safe Work’s research found that without work-related injuries and illnesses, the Australian economy would be $28.6 billion larger, there would be 185,500 more full-time equivalent jobs, and people across all occupations and skills levels would receive an average wage rise of 1.3 per cent.
Workplace Health & Safety Show commercial director, Stephen Blackie, said, “The Show is evolving quickly to meet the fast-changing needs and demands of health and safety professionals. The event is curated to provide the entire OHS community with everything they need to make Australia’s workplaces safer, happier and healthier.”
Blackie says the show is a “must attend” for these reasons:
Source market leading products
The Show features over 175 safety suppliers on display, showcasing their cutting-edge solutions and services.
“There is no other place where you can talk to technical experts from market leading services providers and brands, all under one roof. Attendees can see cutting-edge training tools, life-saving equipment and innovative mental wellbeing programs in action,” he said.
“It’s like a ‘safety wonderland’ where you can find everything you need under one roof, saving hundreds of hours otherwise spent conducting online searches and sales calls. With such a wide range of products and new safety innovations on show, attendees are sure to find something they may not even know existed, saving time and money while researching and sourcing the safety items they need.”
Insights from the experts
The free education program brings together world-class experts from the likes of FedEx, Coca-Cola and Woolworths, who will each share their safety strategies, offering attendees the opportunity to pick the brains of best-in-class experts and take away actionable insights.
“Attendees have the opportunity to learn from the best in industry,” Blackie said.
Boost professional accreditation
Attendees can claim up to 4 CPD points per day and expand their expertise in safety practices.
Unparalleled networking opportunity
The Show attracts senior safety professionals from large corporates and some of Australia’s most successful firms, including FedEx Express, Australia Post, Melbourne Water, Department of Defence, Virgin Australia, Ford Motor Group and Veolia (to name a few).
“This is a chance to connect with industry leaders, share best practices and build valuable relationships,” he said.
Witness the future of safety
Get a sneak peek at groundbreaking solutions like VR safety training and WashDrones’ live drone cleaning demo. See how technology is revolutionising safety practices and keeping workers safe across industries.
Celebrating industry heroes
The launch of the Champions of Safety Awards has created a platform for the recognition and celebration of industry trailblazers.
“We have received an influx of nominations and entries, and the nominees and finalists are inspirational individuals who are setting high standards for the OHS industry. We can’t wait to announce the winners at the Show on 23 October 2024,” Blackie said.
Registration is free
The Show delivers unmatched value, offering over 40 hours of educational content and professional development, as well as the latest in cutting-edge safety solutions.
“The show has an energy and vibrancy that mirrors that of the workplace safety community. They are passionately engaged in developing a safety culture in their work environments, and we are excited to play a part in supporting them on this journey," he said.
Click here for more information about the Show.
23-24 October 2024 | The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
