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  3. Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024

Which areas of work experience the highest number of work-related fatalities?

In 2023, machinery operators and drivers accounted for the highest proportion of worker fatalities.

The occupations and industries with the highest number of work-related fatalities:

  • In 2023, machinery operators and drivers accounted for the highest proportion of worker fatalities (37%).
  • They also recorded the highest fatality rate at 8.3 fatalities per 100,000 workers, which was almost 6 times the overall fatality rate (1.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers).
  • In 2023, 62% of worker fatalities occurred in three industries:
    • Transport, postal and warehousing: 26% (51 fatalities)
    • Construction: 23% (45 fatalities)
    • Agriculture, forestry and fishing: 14% (27 fatalities)