Workplace death spike leads to compliance campaign
SafeWork SA is launching “industry-specific compliance campaigns” in response to an increased number of workplace fatalities.
Twenty-two people have been killed in workplace incidents this financial year, making it one of the highest on record after 2005-06, when there were 24 deaths
In comparison, in the 2023-24 financial year, there were 13 workplace fatalities, 11 in 2022-23 and 18 in 2021-22.
SafeWork SA said that “routine” work was the biggest contributing factor to workplace deaths, as workers have a false sense of security and may cut corners.
In response to the rising number of incidents, SafeWork SA will be increasing site visits and compliance audits to detect and deter unsafe workplace behaviour.
The compliance campaign will target the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transport, forestry and healthcare sectors.
SafeWork SA said an analysis of workplace fatalities in 2024-25 found that the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector had the highest number of fatalities, with eight people killed.
This was followed by manufacturing, where four people died, and the electricity, gas, water and waste services industry, where three people had their lives cut short.
“Fatigue, shortcuts and poorly maintained plant and equipment are all possible killers, but the associated risks can all be eliminated or appropriately managed through a strong commitment to safety,” said SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell.
“Workplace deaths leave a painful and permanent scar on families, workmates, the community and the business itself.”
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Farrell said SafeWork SA is “pleading” with employers to make occupational health and safety a top priority.
“People are the most valuable asset to any business, and more needs to be done to ensure that they are not exposed to harm,” he said.
“We’re inspecting work sites more often, and where we find non-compliance, there will be consequences.
“Businesses have a work and health safety obligation to put the safety of their people first, and we will not hesitate to issue notice or take further action for unsafe practices.”
