NSW workplace injuries reach 21-year low

Work-related injuries in NSW have fallen to their lowest levels since 1987, according to a report from WorkCover NSW.

The statistics were published in the WorkCover NSW Statistical Bulletin 2006/07, which analyses the number of workplace injuries and fatalities over the year.

“A total of 140,203 employment injuries were reported in 2006/07 — a 3% reduction from the previous year,” said the Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca.

“The incidence rate of workplace fatalities has declined by 57% over the past two decades, although this still represents the tragedy of 137 deaths in NSW in 2006/07, a 6% reduction on the previous year,” he said.

Of the fatalities in 2006/07: 69 were due to a traumatic injury at work; 39 occurred away from the workplace (for example, in transit to or from work); and 29 were due to work-related diseases.

“Importantly, fatalities among young workers aged under 25 reduced by 14% over the previous year,” said Della Bosca.

Men accounted for 67% of claims for injuries and 90% of the fatalities.

“The number of workplace injuries resulting in permanent disability declined by more than 20%, while major occupational disease claims reported during 2006/07 fell by 5%,” he said.

The minister said it is encouraging to see injury rates in agriculture, forestry and fishing, construction and transport and storage industries fall over the past year.

“Reductions indicate more people are getting home safely and more families remain intact and that’s exactly what everyone is working to achieve,” Della Bosca said.

“These results indicate that NSW is on track to achieve the national target of a reduction in workplace injuries by 40% and fatalities by 20% by June 2012.

“While the trends are generally good, the incidence of work-related injuries and fatalities remains too high.”

The WorkCover NSW Statistical Bulletin 2006/07 is available on the WorkCover website.