OHS-WHS
(See Serious workplace-related injuries & diseases below)
As you can see, the data are compelling. And this is
only in Australia, where we enjoy very safe working
conditions compared to many other countries.
The global impact of unsafe working conditions is
highlighted when we see reports of factory collapses
in Bangladesh and hundreds of workers dying in Qatar
building stadiums for the 2022 Football World Cup.
Closer to home, multiple workplace-related deaths in a
short period may capture our attention.
Official estimates dramatically underestimate the true
burden of work-related injury. Many workers fail to report
their injury or seek workers’ compensation, particularly if
they have a work-related mental health condition.
It can also be difficult to count instances of workrelated diseases, such as some cancers and respiratory
conditions, because they’re often captured in other
health datasets and may not be identified as relating to
work or working conditions.
Ripple effect
One way of measuring the impact of a health condition
on an individual and on society is to determine the
“burden” of disability associated with that condition.
Such estimates include changes in health following
injury, and the extent to which this limits our ability
to participate in activities we usually take for granted,
such as housework, driving a car and caring duties.
Serious workplace-related injuries & diseases
Number of compensated workplace injuries and diseases in Australia
INJURY & MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
115,255
2007-08
112,425
2008-09
109,595
111,275
2009-10
2010-11
111,120
105,800
2011-12
2012-13
DISEASES
13,870
13,730
14,165
14,540
13,895
12,015
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
Source: Safe Work Australia Get the data
GOVLINK » ISSUE 3 2016
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