Mining Sector Benefits As Workplace Safety Improves

Released during National Safe Work Month, the Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025 report highlights Australia’s improving safety record, with a workplace injury rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly lower than the global average of 12.1 per cent.

For high-risk sectors like mining, which often intersect with industries such as construction, transport and manufacturing, the data provides a useful benchmark and a reminder of the importance of sustained safety efforts.

Vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities (42 per cent), followed by falls from height (13 per cent).  

At the same time, mental health continues to emerge as a growing concern. Serious claims for mental health conditions now make up 12 per cent of all serious workers’ compensation claims – a 14.7 per cent rise from the previous year. These claims result in nearly five times more time away from work than other injury types, signalling a need for mining and heavy industries to broaden their health and safety focus beyond physical risks.

“All workers have the right to safe and healthy work,” Safe Work Australia chief executive officer Marie Boland said. “Our data show there is still more to be done to ensure every worker, regardless of occupation or industry, returns home safely at the end of the day.

“National Safe Work Month is a great opportunity to prioritise discussions about work health and safety and use the national data compiled by Safe Work Australia to support safe and healthy work for everyone.”

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Mining Sector Benefits As Workplace Safety Improves - Safe To Work, October 2025