SafeWork Australia has published its safety report for 2025. Work fatalities in Australia rose to 222 for 2025, higher than the five-year average, mainly in industries like agriculture, transportation, and construction. Vehicle incidents, falls, and being hit by objects caused most deaths, with remote workers experiencing significantly higher risks. Serious injuries increased despite a steady fatality rate, highlighting ongoing safety challenges across regional and high-risk sectors.
- 222 workers tragically lost their life in 2025
- 147,200 serious workers’ compensation claims for one week or more i.e. ~400 serious claims/day
- Vehicle incidents remain the leading cause of fatalities – 92 deceased
- Falls from heights – 28 fatalities
- 206 male v 15 female deaths
- More fatalities occurred in NSW than other state
- Transport, postal and warehousing had the worst stats by industry
- There were 7 deaths from electricity, gas, water and waste services
- 55 year olds and over had the highest injury frequency rate by age
- Traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injury lead the injury nature
Employers must do everything possible to prevent injury and death. The impacts of these extend beyond the workplace to loved ones, friends and communities.