Work-related fatalities

The number of work related deaths decreased overall from 1982 to 1992,
despite fluctuations between industries. The National Occupational Health
and Safety Commission (NOHSC) conducted two comprehensive studies into
work related injury deaths in Australia.

The first study covered the period from 1982 to 1984, while the second
collated data between 1989 and 1992. Groups of people studied were workers
injured while performing paid duties, bystanders killed by the working activities
of another person, and others (including volunteers, students, homemakers and
farm workers).

Deaths caused by disease and suicide were not included. The main source of
information was files from the coroner’s office.

Number of deaths
Between 1989 and 1992, 3,627 Australians lost their lives in work related
accidents. This equates to nearly 16 per cent of all deaths during this time period.
Of the 3,627 people killed, 2,389 were fatally injured while working or commuting.
People aged between 25 and 34 years were over-represented. The majority of
deaths occurred during the day, with mid-morning and mid-afternoon peaks.
The bulk of the people killed were men (around 90 per cent), whose death rates
were - on average - 10 times higher than those recorded for women across all
categories. The only exception was the category, 'commuting'; a man is two and
a half times more likely than a woman to die while travelling to or from work.

The most dangerous industries
Some industries are more dangerous than others. The average annual death
rate per 100,000 people for the most hazardous industries includes:
Forestry – 93 deaths
Fishing – 86 deaths
Mining – 36 deaths
Transport and storage – 23 deaths
Agriculture – 20 deaths
Construction – 10 deaths.

The most dangerous occupations
Certain occupations are more dangerous than others.
The average annual death rate per 100,000 people for the most hazardous
occupations includes:
Commercial pilots – 197 deaths
Fishermen and fisherwomen – 117 deaths
Forestry labourers – 116 deaths
Drilling plant operators – 72 deaths
Mining labourers – 66 deaths
Ship’s pilots and deck officers – 54 deaths
Structural steel labourers – 43 deaths
Truck drivers – 41 deaths
Excavation and earthmoving machinery operators – 39 deaths.

Dangerous places
The most common places for work related deaths include:
Public roads – 33 per cent
Farms – 19 per cent
Industrial or construction areas – 13 per cent
Mines or quarries – 8 per cent
Trade or service areas – 8 per cent.

Common causes of death
Common injuries include multiple injuries, injuries to the head or body,
electrocution, drowning and mechanical asphyxia. The most common causes
of fatal work related injuries include:
Vehicle accidents
Moving objects
Falls
Electricity
Drowning.

Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drugs appeared to be a contributing factor in around four per cent
and two per cent of cases respectively.BystandersDuring the time period studied,
778 people were killed by the working activities of another person. This equates
to nearly four deaths every week. High risk groups included children on farms.

Where to get help
Industrial Deaths Support & Advocacy Inc. (IDSA) Tel.(03) 9309 4453
Victorian WorkCover Authority Tel. (03) 9641 1444 (for referral only)
Occupational Health and Safety Officer in your workplace
Victorian Trades Hall Council (OH.& S Unit) Tel. (03) 9662 3511
National Association for Loss & Grief (NALAG) Tel. (03) 9351 0358

Things to remember
Around 16 per cent of Australian deaths are work related.
Men account for around 90 per cent of work related deaths, and are 10 times
more likely than women to be fatally injured.
The number of work related deaths decreased overall from 1982 to 1992,
despite fluctuations between industries.