In 2024, the sectors with the highest occurrences of workplace fatalities included transport, construction, and agriculture, yet work-related deaths spanned more than half of the entire industry spectrum and numerous professions. Jobs where lives were tragically lost encompassed roles such as labourers, truck drivers, farm workers, electricians, carpenters, firefighters, traffic controllers, educators, and delivery drivers.
Sam Jenkin, the WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, expressed grave concern about this trend, underlining the universal vulnerability of any workplace to tragic accidents. He emphasised the criticality of maintaining vigilance amongst both employers and employees alike. “Despite Victoria ranking among the world’s safest places to work, it remains utterly unacceptable that individuals continue to lose their lives through completely avoidable on-the-job incidents,” stated Mr. Jenkin.
The application of effective safety measures like a robust Bluesafe WHS Management System or thoroughly constructed SWMS can significantly assist in preventing these potentially catastrophic events, thereby protecting lives. “Nobody should endure the heartrending loss of a family member through something as preventable as a workplace accident. Our unwavering dedication to achieving zero workplace fatalities guides us,” he continued.
The heartbreaking death toll of 2024 incorporated 18 workers who tragically lost their lives after a violent incident at work, along with 12 workers whose lives ended due to road accidents. Disease stemming from work-based exposure claimed the lives of an additional 17 individuals last year, while two other workers passed away due to job-related medical complications. Another worker’s life was sadly taken in connection with a criminal offence.
More than 25,500 employees sustained injuries severe enough to warrant approved compensation claims in 2024, according to Mr. Jenkin. He added, “Sadly, we have seen recurring patterns of harm in the same industries stemming from the same hazards, prompting WorkSafe to set ambitious goals that challenge this persistent status quo.” Implementing stringent policies forms a cornerstone of these efforts.
To safeguard the workforce for generations to come, he added, “The collective support and commitment of the entire Victorian community are indispensable in creating ongoing safer workplaces.”
It’s noteworthy that workplace fatalities saw a drop compared to the 2023 death toll, which totalled 73. During 2024, WorkSafe’s investigations into work-related deaths led to 12 successful prosecutions, including an unprecedented conviction under Victoria’s workplace manslaughter laws. The courts consequently imposed penalties and costs amounting to $4.76 million.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-03/workplace-tragedy-does-not-discriminate