Workplace safety is something that we all know is important, but many of us know very little about. In this article we’re helping you brush up on your workplace safety knowledge with some eye opening stats that might surprise you.

Take a look…

• Globally, one person dies every 15 seconds due to a workplace incident

Studies show that every 15 seconds, on average 153 workers will have a workplace accident and one of them will be fatal. This shocking statistic proves just how sinister neglecting workplace health and safety can really be.

• In Australia, less than 50% of people know what to do in an emergency

Did you know that less than 50% of building occupants know the correct way out in the event of an emergency. This includes knowing what to do in a fire, armed robbery, attack and much more. This shocking statistic proves how important it is that emergency procedures are presented upon induction, but also regularly refreshed.

• The majority of people on a site won’t know where a fire extinguisher is 

In an Australian study, less than 25% of people could locate the nearest fire extinguisher based on memory. When considering this in a construction site context, it is quite worrying that in the event of a fire, the majority of people would not be able to take action. Knowing where certain safety tools like the fire extinguisher, defibrillator, first aid kit etc. should be standard procedure for everyone on your site.

• In the year 2017-2018, 107,335 serious claims resulting in one week or more off work occurred in Australia

Not only does an inadequate workplace health and safety system negatively impact the health of your people, it also causes businesses to lose staff and money. Businesses who have serious claims made against them may be liable for damages, as well as having to provide a succinct back to work program for the affected worker. This often takes much longer than one week, and in extreme cases can take up to a year.

• The most common cause of injury is heavy lifting (24.2%)

Most workplace injuries are much more minor than the extreme cases of fatalities that we often hear about in the news. That said, they can still cause a significant amount of disruption within business and can also cause individuals serious pain.

• In Australia the median compensation paid on a workplace claim is $11,300

Of the 563,600 people who  experienced a work-related injury or illness in 2017-18, the average workplace compensation amount was $11,300. This proves the importance of having the correct safety procedures in place to minimise the risk of injury and prove due diligence and compliance.

• 36% of those who experience injury at work are technicians and trades workers

The ABS recently released stats that revealed that 36% of those who experience workplace injury are technicians and trades workers. This is a high percentage, but what is more surprising is that their colleagues who operate machinery also make up a high percentage at 11%, with labourers coming in at 15%. This proves that building sites are a common location for workplace incidents and need more attention.

• 6% of people do not return to work after an injury

This shocking Australian statistic proves just how crucial it is to implement a back to work program that encourages people to return to work. After an injury it is not just the physical body that can be harmed, but mental health and confidence too, with 6% of people not returning to work after an injury.

How To Reduce Workplace Incidents 

If these stats prove anything, it’s that reducing workplace incidents should be at the top of every employer’s priority list. Not only is adequate workplace safety and incident management essential to the physical and mental health of employees, but without a solid safety system in place businesses make themselves liable for huge costs.

The ways to reduce workplace incidents are very simple – analyse the risks and seek to minimise them. Of course, no company will ever be able to guarantee that no incidents will occur on their site, but with good incident management procedures in place as well as regular audits, training and risk assessments, businesses can minimise their risk and remain compliant.

To learn more about how to minimise workplace incidents get in touch now to start a free trial.