Each year, Safe Work Australia releases data that gives us a snapshot of how we’re tracking nationally when it comes to workplace health and safety. This year’s report offers plenty to reflect on, from the progress we’ve made, to the challenges that still need attention in the workplaces around Australia. The 2025 report highlights key trends in work-related fatalities, injuries and diseases across Australia, serving as an important reminder of why safety, wellbeing, and proactive health management matter in every industry, every day. While fatalities and serious injuries are trending down overall, the data also shows there’s still work to be done, particularly around mental health, ageing workers and the industries facing the highest risks. The State of Workplace Safety in 2024 The report shows that in 2024 188 workers sadly lost their lives due to traumatic injuries at work. While that’s still too many, the fatality rate of 1.3 fatalities per 100,000 workers is slightly lower than the five-year average, showing a steady improvement in workplace safety overall which is a positive. Some industries remain at higher risk like transport, manufacturing, construction, health care, and public safety. Together, these accounted for around 80% of all fatal incidents. The leading cause of fatal injuries? Vehicle incidents, followed by falls from height, both risks remind us why prevention, awareness and training are key to keeping teams safe. Where the Numbers Are Rising When it comes to non-fatal injuries and illnesses, the data also gives us valuable insight. In 2023–24 there were 146,700 serious workers compensation claims, each representing time lost from work and in many cases, ongoing recovery. Interestingly 84% of these claims resulted from the below four causes: Body stressing Slips, trips and falls Being hit by moving objects Mental stress Workers aged 55 and above recorded the highest claim rates, showing that experience doesn’t always mean immunity to risk and that safety systems need to support workers at every stage of their careers. The Growing Impact of Mental Health One of the most striking takeaways from this year’s report is the rise in mental health-related claims. They now account for 12% of all serious claims, up around 15% from last year and an incredible 161% increase over the past decade. Even more significant, the average time lost for mental health conditions is almost five times longer than for physical injuries. That’s a clear signal that psychological safety deserves just as much focus as physical safety. It’s encouraging to see more workplaces starting to prioritise this, through wellbeing programs, policies and open conversations that normalise seeking support. Turning Data into Action The continued prevalence of traumatic injuries, mental health-related claims and industry-specific risks shows that work health and safety require constant attention and improvement. By understanding the trends, recognising the risks and acknowledging the people behind each number, organisations can make decisions that strengthen their safety systems. As industries adapt and challenges shift, ongoing attention to workplace health remains essential. The insights from the report offer a valuable foundation for building safer, more resilient workplaces now and into the future. Whether your business needs pre-employment medicals, health monitoring programs, annual health checks or other occupational health services, WHA is ready to support your workforce health and safety procedures. Get in touch today! To find out more information on the key work health and safety statistics for 2025, check out the Safe Work Australia website .