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Category specific statistics summary

In addition to the areas of injury and industries highlighted to receive attention in the National OHS Strategy 2002-2012, WorkSafe routinely identifies focus areas across WA industries requiring particular attention to reduce the occurrence of work-related injuries and promote safe work practices. This is achieved by implementing occupational safety and health initiatives, providing educational presentations and material as well as compliance activities.

The following summary statistics include state focus areas together with the top categories most searched for on the WorkSafe website. This report is also downloadable as a pdf.

Data notes

WorkSafe has now fully migrated to the updated coding classifications of Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification 2006 (ANZSIC 2006), Type of Occurrence Classification System Third Edition Revision 1 (TOOCS 3.1) and Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations First Edition (ANZSCO). All statistical information published for the 2009-2010 data reporting year will reflect these classifications. Due to the differences in structure and definitions between each version/edition of the three coding classifications a break in series has occurred. To ensure data integrity comparisons should not be made between classification versions. This means time series data is only available up to and including the 2008-2009 data reporting year in the older classifications until such time that additional years of data have been recorded in the updated classifications to enable reliable comparative time series analysis.

The data used in this summary are derived from workers’ compensation claims and include only those workers who are covered by the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 (WA). Whilst workers’ compensation claims data provide a good indication of work-related injury and disease levels, it should be noted that these figures are potentially understated given the number of self-employed workers, unpaid volunteers and students, Commonwealth Government workers, workers covered by Comcare and police officers (except for work-related fatalities) that are not covered by workers compensation and are thereby excluded from the data.

Data in relation to traumatic work-related fatalities are collected by WorkSafe and include all work-related deaths which include self-employed workers and bystanders.

Preliminary data for 2009-10 is currently the latest data available due to a one year time lag (denoted by “p”). Data are subject to revision as claims information matures and is therefore considered a ‘snapshot’

Unless otherwise stated, data in this report refers to lost time injuries and diseases (LTI/Ds) in Western Australia where one or more days/shifts are lost from work and excludes journey claims between home and work, asbestos related diseases, and duplicated or disallowed claims.

Due to the high percentage of un-finalised claims concerning payments and days lost, data is subject to revision and likely under reported. Consequently, when looking at changes over time in time lost from work and claim costs, data has been excluded for the most recent preliminary year.

Caution needs to be exercised when using workers’ compensation payments data as a measure of the cost of workplace injury and disease. The costs data collected are only those paid by the workers’ compensation authority and will not include payments made by the injured worker which are not reimbursed by the workers’ compensation authority.

Claim data represents information on lost-time claims by the financial year in which the claim was lodged with the insurer. This is in contrast to claim payments, which reflect actual payments during a financial year regardless of then the claim was lodged

Forklifts

Statistics are based on the breakdown agency of injury code 158 Forklift trucks. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards.

  • In the five years from 2006-07 to 2010-11 forklift trucks have been the cause of four work-related deaths in Western Australia. No fatalities were recorded in 2008-09 or 2009-10.
  • In Western Australia forklift truck incidences have increased 5.7 per cent during 2008-09 compared to 2004-05 (from 174 to 184 LTI/Ds). 2007-08 recorded the highest number of LTI/Ds during the period at 223.
  • On average, 20.2 per cent were severe incidences (those with 60 days/shifts lost or more from work). During 2008-09 severe incidences were on par with the average at 20.6 per cent.
  • Between 2004-05 and 2008-09, 916 lost time injuries and diseases were recorded involving forklift trucks resulting in a total of 66,801 days lost from work. This equates to about 73 days lost per injury.
  • Such incidences are estimated to cost an average of more than 5.8 million dollars per year equating to $31,873 per LTI/D.
  • Of the 184 LTI/Ds recorded during 2008-09, the most common associated mechanism of injury was Falls from a height accounting for 26 per cent (or 48) followed by Being hit by moving objects with 23.3 per cent (or 43).
  • During the five year period, increases occurred in the mechanisms Falls from a height (LTI/Ds have doubled from 24 to 48), Vehicle accident (from 6 LTI/Ds to 8), Muscular stress while handling, Trapped between stationary and moving object and Being hit by moving objects of 100, 33.3,16.7,12.5 and 7.5 per cent respectively.
  • Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles and Fractures were the two most common natures of injury in relation to forklift truck LTI/Ds during 2008-09 (recording 87 and 37 LTI/Ds respectively).
  • The Manufacturing industry recorded the majority of LTI/Ds during 2008-09 (60 LTI/Ds) followed by Transport and Storage and Wholesale Trade (recording 34 LTI/Ds each). Similar rankings regarding the top three divisions were evident over the total five year period; the highest was Manufacturing, second Transport and Storage and third Wholesale Trade. Each industry division recorded variances of 17.6 (from 51 to 60), -2.8 (from 35 to 34) and 41.6 per cent (from 24 to 34) respectively.

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year:

  • During 2009-10p, 144 lost time injuries and diseases were recorded involving forklift trucks. Of these 79.8 per cent were serious cases (5 days/shifts lost or more) and 31.9 per cent were severe (60 days/shifts lost or more).
  • The majority of work-related forklift LTI/Ds involved males, only 7.6 per cent related to females.
  • The most common associated mechanism of incident was Being hit by moving objects (38 LTI/Ds).
  • The prominent area of the body to experience injuries involving forklift trucks in 2009-10p are the Lower limbs group.

Heat Stress

Statistics are based on the nature of injury code 150 Effects of weather, exposure, air pressure and other external causes n.e.c. and the bodily location of injury code 710 Circulatory system in general. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards. 

  • 100 incidences (includes lost time and no lost time claims) were recorded during 2004-05 to 2008-09 in Western Australia, 27 per cent (or 27) of which resulted in lost time. 
  • LTI/Ds during 2008-09 were below the five-year average of 5.
  • LTI/Ds have fallen 43 per cent during the five year period.
  • Based on a five year average (2004-05 to 2008-09), each case results in about 40 days off work at an estimated cost of $18,268.
  • Over the five year period, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing division accounted for the greatest proportion of heat stress LTI/Ds with 18.5 per cent.
  • Other Miscellaneous Tradespersons and Related Workers and Metal Fitters and Machinists were occupation classifications to suffer the majority of such incidences.

Statistics are based on the nature of injury code 313 Heat stress/heat stroke, the bodily location of injury code 710 Circulatory system in general. The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year. 

  • 34 incidences (includes lost time and no lost time claims) were recorded during 2009-10p in Western Australia, 29.4 per cent (or 10) of which resulted in lost time.
  • According to preliminary data for 2009-10, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing division were the highest recording industry division for Heat stress/heat stroke work-related LTI/Ds.

Cranes

Statistics are based on the breakdown agency of injury class 157 Cranes. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards. 

  • During 2006-07 to 2010-11 there has been one traumatic work-related fatality involving a crane.
  • During 2008-09, 100 LTI/Ds were recorded involving cranes, which is above the five year average (82). This is the highest level since 2000-01.
  • Severe injuries (LTI/Ds of 60 days/shifts lost or more) are also at their highest level since 2000-01 (27). This is also above the five year average (18).
  • On average 6,463 days were lost from work during 2004-05 to 2008-09 as a result of injuries involving cranes. This equates to around 79 days lost from work per LTI/D.
  • As with forklift truck LTI/Ds, the Manufacturing industry recorded the majority of LTI/Ds during 2008-09 (35 incidences), however, LTI/Ds have reduced 14.6 per cent in comparison to 2004-05. Construction recorded the second highest at 27 during the same period and recorded an increase of 350 per cent compared to 2004-05 levels (from 6 to 27).
  • The mechanism of injury Muscular stress while handling accounts for the greatest proportion of crane LTI/Ds during 2008-09 at 28 per cent.
  • Muscular stress while handling LTI/Ds have increased 250 per cent during the five year period from 2004-05 to 2008-09 (from 8 to 28). Incidents in relation to Being hit by falling objects have reduced by 50 per cent (from 14 to 7). Conversely, incidences relating to Falls from a height have doubled from 6 to 12 during the same period.
  • In the five years to 2008-09, the three most common natures of injury involving cranes were Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles, Contusion with intact skin surface and crushing injuries excluding those with fractures and Fractures are recording a total of 146, 78 and 75 LTI/Ds respectively.
  • Fractures is the only nature of injury classification of the top three to record a reduction over the five year period, down 31.6 per cent (from 19 to 13). Sprains and strains rose by 91 per cent and contusions rose by 33.3 per cent.

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year:

  • During 2009-10p 76 LTI/Ds were recorded in WA, 82.8 per cent were serious cases (five days/shifts lost or more).
  • The Manufacturing division recorded the greatest proportion of LTI/Ds at 26.3% followed jointly by Construction and Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services each recording 21 per cent.
  • The two highest mechanism of incident associated with crane LTI/Ds during 2009-10p were Being hit by moving objects and Muscular stress while handling objects other than lifting, carrying or putting down (21 LTI/Ds a piece).
  • Occupation classifications experiencing the most injuries are Crane, hoist or Lift Operator, Fitter (General) and Crane Chaser.

Falls from a height

Statistics are based on the mechanism of injury code 01 Falls from a height. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards. 

  • On average there are at least three deaths per year due to Falls from a height. 14 work-related deaths were recorded during 2005-06 to 2009-10. 
  • The mechanism of injury classification Falls from a height accounted for 8.2% of all LTI/Ds during 2008-09. 
  • Around 1,351 LTI/Ds are recorded each year.  
  • Incidences have increased 17.2% during the five year period from 2004-05 to 2008-09. 1,448 LTI/Ds were recorded during 2008-09 – the highest figure since 2003-04. 
  • In recent years the proportion of severe incidences (60 or more days/shifts lost) has increased consistently since 2006-07. Severe LTI/Ds accounted for 24.2% of all Falls from a height incidences in 2004-05 this has risen to 28.7% in 2008-09. 
  • The average number of days lost due to Falls from a height is 110,246 (from 2004-05 to 2008-09). Each injury results in about 81 days lost from work. 
  • In order of magnitude the most common types of injury resulting from Falls from a height are Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles (accounts for almost half of these injuries at 48.6%), Fractures (21.4%), and Contusion with intact skin surface and crushing injuries excluding those with fracture (17.1%).  
  • During the five year period, typical breakdown agencies of incidences in this category are workers falling down Indoor steps or stairways (19.3%), from Trucks, semi-trailers, lorries (14.8%) and from Ladders (14.6%) in a variety of occupations. Falls from equestrian animals also account for many lost time injuries.  
  • Ankle and knees tend to be the areas of the body most affected by Falls from a height (17.5% and 15.7% respectively).

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year. Statistics are based on the mechanism of incident code 01 Falls from a height.

  • Eight work-related fatalities regarding fall from height were notified to WorkSafe during 2010-11; four were recorded in the Construction industry. 
  • Preliminary data show 1,172 LTI/Ds were recorded during 2009-10p for the mechanism of incident classification Falls from a height.
  • The nature of injury associated with the majority of this mechanism of incident is Soft tissue injuries due to trauma or unknown mechanisms with insufficient information to code elsewhere accounting for 36.1% of all fall from height injuries (or 424 LTI/Ds).  
  • The Construction division recorded the highest number of LTI/Ds in this year at 279 proportionally accounting for 23.8% of the total. Transport, Postal and Warehousing and Manufacturing were joint second highest each recording 122 Falls from a height LTI/Ds.

Elevated work platforms (EWPs)

Statistics are based on the breakdown agency of injury code 155 Power hoists. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards.

  • Two fatalities have been recorded during 2006-07 to 2010-11 involving Power hoists. Both were in the Construction industry division.
  • On average, 40 LTI/Ds relating to Power hoists are recorded each year in Western Australia. 
  • LTI/Ds recorded during 2008-09 (46) were above the five year average. 60.9 per cent of these were serious cases (five or more days/shifts lost from work), 26.1 per cent were severe cases (60 or more days/shifts lost).
  • LTI/Ds increased 48 per cent during 2008-09 compared to 2004-05, from 31 to 46.
  • On average, 104 days are lost from work per LTI/D - this equates to an estimated cost of $67,833 per incident (based on 2004-05 to 2008-09).
  • Health and Community Services, Manufacturing, Construction and Retail Trade recorded the greatest number of Power hoist LTI/Ds during 2004-05 to 2008-09 (in order of magnitude). These divisions accounted for 21.9, 19.4, 16.4 and 15.9 per cent of total LTI/Ds during the five-year period respectively. When looking at 2008-09 data in isolation, the order of industry divisions changes to Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Construction and Health and Community Services.
  • Muscular stress while handling and Falls from a height are the two most common mechanisms of injury associated with power hoists accounting for a respective 26 (or 52) and 20 per cent (or 40) of total incidences during the five-year period from 2004-05 to 2008-09.
  • Falls from a height LTI/Ds have increased 180 per cent over the five years to 2008-09 (from 5 to 14). Conversely, Muscular stress while handling LTI/Ds decreased by 36.4 per cent (from 11 to 7).
  • The most common natures of injury in relation to power hoist incidences are Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles, Contusions with intact skin surface and crushing injuries excluding fracture and Fractures.
  • The Upper limbs, Trunk and Lower limbs are the areas of the body most affected by these incidences, accounting for 41.8, 25.4 and 23.9 per cent respectively of total LTI/Ds during the five year period.

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year.

  • A total of 45 LTI/Ds were recorded during 2009-10p, 82.2 per cent were serious cases and 33.3 per cent were severe.
  • The highest recording industry divisions in terms of LTI/Ds in relation to power hoists were Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Construction.
  • Muscular stress while handling objects other than lifting, carrying or putting down and Hitting stationary objects were the two most common mechanisms of incident involved in power hoist injuries.

Aged workers

Statistics are based on the workers aged 45 years and over. Data has been excluded where the age is unknown. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards.

  • 43 traumatic work-related fatalities have been associated with aged workers (where the age is known) during the period 2006-07 to 2010-11. On average that equates to one death every 42 days.
  • Around 6,405 aged worker LTI/Ds are recorded each year (2004-05 to 2008-09). Aged worker LTI/Ds have risen 7.6 per cent during 2008-09 compared to 2004-05. 
  • LTI/Ds of 60 days/shifts lost or more are also at a nine year high, rising steadily each year from 1,181 in 2000-01 to 1,970 in 2008-09 – an increase of 66.8 per cent. Severe LTI/Ds rose 36.7 per cent during the five year period from 2004-05 to 2008-09.
  • In terms of rates, there were 1.8 incidences per hundred aged workers during 2008-09, a reduction of 13.3 per cent compared to an incidence rate of 2.1 during 2004-05. The frequency of aged worker incidences has also decreased during the same period, down 12.3 per cent from 11.5 during 2004-05 to a rate of 10.1 aged worker incidences per million hours worked during 2008-09.
  • Health and Community Services, Manufacturing and Education recorded the highest numbers of incidences during 2004-05 to 2008-09 (in order of magnitude), accounting for 20.3, 16 and 9.7 per cent of total aged worker LTI/Ds in WA.
  • Muscular stress while handling and Falls on the same level remain the two mechanisms of injury most associated with aged worker injuries making up 24.5 and 17 per cent (respectively) of the total incidences recorded during 2008-09. 
  • Muscular stress while handling incidences increased 31.5 per cent during the five year period (from 1,243 to 1,634). Falls on the same level incidences increased 6.5 per cent during the five year period (from 1,069 to 1,138).
  • More than half (54 per cent) of the LTI/Ds recorded during the five-year period were attributable to the nature of injury classification Sprain and strains of joints and adjacent muscles.
  • The breakdown agency of injury consistently responsible for the majority of aged worker LTI/Ds in recent years is Other person accounting for around 530 LTI/Ds each year.
  • The Lower back (down 4.4% from 940 to 899 incidences), Shoulder (up 20.9% from 561 to 678 incidences) and Knee (up 36% from 511 to 695) are the most affected areas of the body for aged worker injuries.

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year.

  • 6,828 aged worker LTI/Ds were recorded during 2009-10p, 78 per cent were serious cases and 31.5 per cent were severe.
  • Aged worker LTI/Ds increased 2.2 per cent during 2009-10p compared to 2008-09 and were up 11.4 per cent compared to 2005-06.
  • Incidence and frequency rates in 2009-10p were on a par with the previous year at 1.8 and 10.2 respectively.
  • Industry divisions that recorded the highest number of aged worker LTI/Ds in WA during 2009-10p were Health Care and Social Assistance (1,494), Manufacturing (843) and Education and Training (762).

New and young workers

Statistics are based on workers aged 15 to 24 years. Data has been excluded where the age is not known. Due to limitations of workers’ compensation claims data it is not possible to identify new employees in the workforce. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards.

  • 14 fatalities have been associated with young workers during the period 2006-07 to 2010-11. Four were apprentices and one a bystander. 
  • In terms of rates, there were 1.5 incidences per hundred young workers during 2008-09, a reduction of 22 per cent compared to an incidence rate of 1.9 during 2004-05. The frequency of young worker incidences has also decreased during the same period, down 24.5 per cent from 13.6 during 2004-05 to a rate of 10.2 young worker incidences per million hours worked during 2008-09.
  • Accounting for 18 per cent of all work-related LTI/Ds in Western Australia during 2008-09, young worker LTI/Ds are at their lowest level in five years recording 3,184 incidences (down 14.6% compared to 2004-05).
  • On average, 3,551 young worker LTI/Ds are recorded per year (2004-05 to 2008-09). 
  • Around 31 days are lost from work per young worker LTI/D - this equates to an estimated cost of $11,145 per incident (2004-05 to 2008-09).
  • Around nine young workers per day suffer a work related LTI/D requiring one or more days/shifts lost from work. About 134 per cent of these will be a severe injury resulting in 60 days/shifts lost or more from work (based on 2008-09 figures).
  • During 2008-09, severe LTI/Ds in young workers increased 27.3 per cent compared to 2004-05 (from 322 to 410 incidences).
  • Historically, Manufacturing, Construction and the Retail Trade (in order of magnitude) record the largest numbers of young worker LTI/Ds. In terms of movement during the five year period, incidences in these industry divisions were down 27.8, up 24.6 and down 22.5 per cent respectively. The greatest increase in young worker LTI/Ds occurred in the Cultural and Recreational Services industry rising from 85 to 120 incidences, up 41.2 per cent during the period.
  • Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles account for the majority of LTI/Ds, however, incidences reduced by 17.5 per cent during 2008-09 compared to 2004-05. Fractures are the fourth highest nature of injury in young workers and experienced a 23.3 per cent rise (from 292 to 360 LTI/Ds) over the five year period.
  • During the five year period, in relation to mechanism of injury the most notable increases have occurred in Contact or exposure to biological factors of non-human origin (up 450% from 6 to 33 LTI/Ds) and Exposure to a traumatic event (up 900% from <5 to 24 LTI/Ds).
  • Notable reductions in mechanisms of injury are Exposure to non-ionising radiation and Repetitive movement, low muscle loading down 68.2 and 82.4 per cent respectively.
  • The top three breakdown agencies of injury in relation to young workers over the five year period are Ferrous and non-ferrous metal (down 17.6%), Crates, cartons, boxes, cases, drums, kegs, barrels (down 16.5%) and Knives and cutlery (down 28.6%).
  • Notable increases in breakdown agencies of injury are Biological agencies, Outdoor holes in the ground and Excavators, backhoes, other digging plant (figures comparatively smaller) up 1033.3, 127.3, and 300 per cent respectively.
  • The most common occupation classifications to experience a work-related LTI/D during the five-year period were Sales Assistants (down 25.7% over the five-year period), Structural Steel and Welding Tradespersons (down 20.2%), Carpentry and Joinery Tradespersons (up 36.7% from 128 to 175 LTI/Ds) and Farm Hands (down 25.2%).
  • Other notable increases were recorded for Survey Hands (up 400% from <5 to 15), Education Aides (up 550% from <5 to 13), Automotive Electricians (up 550% from <5 to 13) and Other Miscellaneous Labourers and Related Workers (up 272% from 18 to 67).

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year.

  • Incidence and frequency rates in 2009-10p recorded further reductions compared to previous years at 1.2 and 8.8 respectively.
  • Young worker LTI/Ds continue to reduce recording 2,679 LTI/Ds during 2009-10p - a six year low.
  • Construction, Manufacturing and the Retail Trade divisions recorded the majority of young worker LTI/Ds at 520, 495 and 314 respectively. 
  • The dominant mechanisms of incident associated with young worker LTI/Ds during 2009-10p are Muscular stress while handling objects other than lifting, carrying or putting down (352 incidences), Being hit by moving objects (350) and Falls on the same level (290).
  • Occupation classifications experiencing the highest levels of LTI/Ds during 2009-10p are Sales Assistant (General), Carpenter, Metal Fabricator, Motor Mechanic (General) and Labourer nec.

Asbestos

Statistics are based on the breakdown agency of injury code 618 Asbestos. The following information is in accordance with ANZSIC 1993, TOOCS 2.1 and ASCO classification standards.

  • Eight asbestos associated deaths were recorded in the five years to 2008-09.
  • During 2004-05 to 2008-09, a total of 376 work-related incidences (including lost time and no lost time incidences) were recorded involving asbestos.
  • Injuries associated with the breakdown agency Asbestos accounted for three per cent of all incidences during the five-year period, diseases 38 per cent and asbestos/industrial diseases 59 per cent.
  • Incidences recorded in 2008-09 exceeded the five-year average (75) at 83.
  • 94 per cent of the 447 work-related incidences (including lost time and no lost time incidences) were linked to the mechanism of injury Long term contact with chemicals or substances.
  • The two main natures of injury/disease related to asbestos was Asbestosis and Malignant neoplasm of pleura (mesothelioma). 
  • Occupation classifications that suffered the most work-related incidences (including lost time and no lost time incidences) associated with asbestos during the period were Carpentry and Joinery Tradespersons (40 incidences), Metal Fitters and Machinists (35) and Other Miscellaneous Labourers and Related Workers (34).

The following preliminary data are in accordance with ANZSIC 2006, TOOCS 3.1 and ANZSCO for the 2009-10 reporting year.

  • Five asbestos associated deaths were recorded during 2009-10p.
  • During 2009-10p, 83 work-related incidences (including lost time and no lost time incidences) were recorded involving the breakdown agency classification Asbestos.
  • All 83 work-related incidences (including lost time and no lost time incidences) were linked to the mechanism of incident Long term contact with chemicals or substances.
  • The natures of injury associated with these asbestos incidences (including lost time and no lost time incidences) were Asbestosis and Malignant neoplasm of mesothelium (mesothelioma).
  • The highest recording occupation classifications to experience an asbestos work-related incident during 2009-10p were Carpenter (10 incidences), Waterside Worker, Labourer nec and Builder’s Labourer (in order of magnitude).

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