Safe Work Australia has released its Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy for 2023–2033, setting out goals and warning employers that it “wants WHS conversations to be commonplace in every workplace across the country” and that “education, innovation, and collaboration will be critical enablers of our success”. 

The strategy sets targets to measure progress towards the national goals: reduced work-related fatalities, injuries, and illness, as well as forward-looking actions to work towards, with tangible and achievable targets to focus efforts, as stakeholders develop and implement their own solutions to the challenges ahead. 

“Everyone who goes to work has the right to return home safely,” Safe Work Australia chief executive officer Michelle Baxter said. 

“While data shows that fatal and serious injuries at work have declined over the last decade, Australian workers are still getting sick and injured, sometimes fatally, from work. 

“The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023–2033 addresses ongoing and emerging challenges in work health and safety over the next decade, including managing psychosocial risks, the rise of artificial intelligence, automation and related technologies, and new types of work, including gig work.” 

Let’s take a look at some of these actions and how they’ll impact your business in practice.

Where are the main areas of risk? 

Safe Work's goals include reducing: 

  • worker fatalities caused by traumatic injuries by 30% 
  • the frequency rate of serious claims resulting in one or more weeks off work by 20% 
  • the frequency rate of claims resulting in permanent impairment by 15% 
  • the overall incidence of work-related injury or illness among workers to below 3.5% 
  • the frequency rate of work-related respiratory disease by 20%. 

Musculoskeletal conditions still account for most (87%) of workers’ compensation claims for serious injuries – these are mostly caused by vehicle injuries, slips and falls, and being hit by moving objects. 

Meanwhile, psychological injuries are rising in number and severity – national data showed a 28% increase in workers’ compensation claims for mental health conditions between 2007–08 and 2019–20. The main causes of these injuries are work pressure and harassment and bullying. 

Cancer and other diseases caused by work remain difficult to distinguish in official health statistics. However, they remain prevalent. 

Persistent and emerging challenges 

Safe Work also singled out three key “persistent challenges” when it comes to WHS. 

The first is managing psychosocial risks, which come from areas such as high work demands, low job support, and harmful behaviours. It’s an issue not just for workers but for businesses too. 

“On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work. Managing the risks associated with psychosocial hazards not only protects workers, it also decreases the disruption associated with staff turnover and absenteeism,” the report highlighted. 

The second is health and safety vulnerability – and Safe Work is very clear here – employers must consider the needs of all workers in designing safe systems of work. 

“This includes ensuring policies are in place that support increasing worker awareness, training on WHS hazards, and building knowledge of their WHS rights and responsibilities,” the report found. 

“Worker empowerment to participate in and be consulted about injury and illness prevention is of critical importance in identifying and controlling WHS risks.” 

However, the third persistent challenge concerns small businesses and how they need additional support as, given their size, they have fewer resources to direct toward WHS. 

“Managing WHS risks does not need to be costly or complicated and can assist businesses to operate more efficiently and productively,” the report said. 

Meanwhile, emerging challenges are: 

  • The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and related technologies 
  • New technology capabilities can bring many benefits, including safer work and workplaces. But they need to be designed and have appropriate oversight to ensure workers are not exposed to new or additional WHS risks. 

 New types of work 

The nature of work is changing, including a rise in gig and platform work, and businesses need to explain WHS roles to workers in these contexts. 

Workforce demographic shifts 

New WHS risks are likely to emerge as Australia’s population and economy continue to change – this includes more older and migrant workers. Employers must design appropriate health and safety systems and working environments for all workers. 

Hybrid work 

 Hybrid work models, including working from home, may change or create new WHS risks that businesses need to manage. For example, flexibility in relation to when work is performed may increase time spent working. 

 Climate-related risks 

Employers need to consider heat, flooding, and extreme weather events, as well as the impact decarbonisation might have on workplaces and a potential rise in infectious diseases. 

More complex supply chains 

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented pressure on global supply chains. The resulting increased scope of global supply chains with more participants means employers must consider WHS risks more systematically and ensure there is clarity in relation to WHS duties and responsibilities.   

Need help with WHS?

My Business Workplace has contracts, templates, and policies to help you manage your WHS responsibilities, including: