Did you know that Australia’s 3.5% work-related injury rate is one-third of the global average (12.1%)? Thought that was good news?
It is — with a major “but”.
Workplace injuries remain one of the biggest challenges facing Australian employers and employees, with 139,000 serious workers’ compensation claims reported across the 2022-2023 financial year. It is not just having a medical and physical cost, but a productive one too — over 21% of cases require more than 13 weeks leave, according to Safe Work Australia
Whether in construction, healthcare, hospitality, or an office setting, accidents can happen anywhere, anytime — often with lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Knowing how to avoid personal injury in the workplace is about more than compliance — it is about protecting people. Want to learn how? Read on to improve your workplace accident prevention.
Even in well-managed environments, accidents can happen when safety standards are not consistently upheld by yourself, other employees and your employer. Staying on top of the most frequent causes of injury is the first step to maintaining Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) — what is now known as Work Health and Safety (WHS), which includes:
Category | Safety Tip | Description & Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
General Workplace Safety | Follow safety procedures | Always adhere to company safety protocols, signage, and training to reduce risk and maintain compliance. |
Keep work areas tidy | Cluttered or obstructed spaces increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Keep all work areas clean and organised. | |
Use protective equipment (PPE) | Wear appropriate gear such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots when required. | |
Report hazards immediately | Notify your supervisor or safety officer as soon as you identify unsafe conditions. | |
Stay alert and aware | Be conscious of your surroundings, particularly in high-risk zones such as warehouses or construction sites. | |
Know emergency procedures | Familiarise yourself with fire exits, evacuation points, and first aid stations for quick response in an emergency. | |
Equipment and Machinery Safety | Inspect tools before use | Check for damage, wear, or defects before using machinery or tools. |
Use equipment correctly | Operate machinery as instructed by training or manuals. Avoid improvising or using tools for purposes other than their intended use. | |
Turn off and unplug machinery | Power down and disconnect equipment before cleaning, maintaining, or repairing to avoid electrical or mechanical accidents. | |
Stay trained and certified | Only trained and certified personnel should operate heavy or specialised machinery to ensure occupational health and safety for users and others in the vicinity. | |
Manual Handling and Ergonomic Safety | Lift correctly | Use proper lifting techniques — bend your knees, keep your back straight, and hold loads close to your body. |
Use lifting aids | Utilise trolleys, forklifts, or hoists to avoid back strain and muscle injuries. | |
Adjust your workstation | Set up your workspace ergonomically to prevent repetitive strain injuries or poor posture. | |
Take breaks regularly | Taking frequent short breaks helps reduce fatigue and improve concentration. | |
Mental and Emotional Well-being | Manage stress effectively | Discuss workload issues early, take scheduled breaks, and use company support programs to maintain mental health. |
Avoid fatigue | Ensure adequate rest, particularly if operating vehicles or performing high-risk tasks. | |
Report bullying or harassment | Speak up about any form of workplace misconduct. A respectful environment supports overall workplace safety. | |
Employer Safety Responsibilities | Conduct regular risk assessments | Identify and address potential hazards before they cause harm. Keep safety documentation updated. |
Provide safety training | Offer thorough onboarding and refresher courses to keep staff aware of evolving safety standards. | |
Maintain equipment and premises | Routine maintenance prevents breakdowns and accidents due to wear and tear. | |
Foster a safety-first culture | Encourage staff to report risks, recognise good safety behaviour, and promote open communication across all levels. |
However, OHS is not just limited to physical accidents — it allows for mental illnesses as well. Safe Work Australia reported that mental health conditions have been increasing year-on-year and now account for 11% of all serious claims. While these types of incidents make up a small proportion of all workplace injuries, they have an average recovery time that is five times longer than physical injuries, resulting in more lost time and productivity.
Personal injury and WHS rules apply wherever you are directed to work, including off-site locations, and ensure you are not penalised for it by way of taking sick leave.
Employers carry a greater legal and moral obligation to eliminate and minimise hazards and maintain a safe environment for employees, customers and visitors. It does not end with setting rules — employers are expected to track and ensure OHS policies are followed by everyone under their duty of care.
As an employer, you are responsible for:
Understanding the nature of the business, its hazards and risks
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of WHS practices and how they apply to your business
Ensuring the business has, and uses the appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks
Ensuring the business has the appropriate processes to record and receive information about hazards, incidents and risks
Ensuring the business can respond to incidents and risks quickly
Instructing safe work practices and ensuring they are followed
Ensuring that staff are trained to use machinery and tools, and verify licences if necessary
Verifying that facilities and practices are maintained and performed to WHS standards on an ongoing and scheduled basis
Employees play an essential role in contributing to workplace accident prevention and upholding WHS standards for themselves, their colleagues, stakeholders and visitors.
As a worker, you are responsible for:
Working safely to prescribed business practices and established WHS rules
Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as instructed and at all times they are necessary
Reporting hazards and unsafe practices to superiors
As a worker, occupational health and safety rules afford you certain entitlements to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. They include:
The right to be trained on how to work safely
The right to speak up if you see unsafe practices or require assistance
The right to say no to unsafe practices
The right to participate in maintaining and improving WHS standards and practices
The right to access Workers’ Compensation in the event of an incident
Whether due to an accident outside your control or negligence on the part of your employer, personal injury in the workplace can still occur despite the best intentions and safeguards in place. Regardless of the outcome, acting quickly is key to ensuring your injuries are legally recognised as having occurred at work and that you are supported to minimise any impact on your health, lifestyle, and livelihood.
In Australia, every worker, regardless of their employment type, has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. When that right is compromised due to injury or illness, employees are entitled to lodge a Workers’ Compensation claim through their employer’s insurance provider. Depending on the medical evidence and reports submitted, the injured worker may be eligible for a range of benefits, including coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and other related costs.
You have the right to lodge a Workers’ Compensation claim, regardless of who was at fault, and even if you have a pre-existing injury that was aggravated by a workplace accident or unsafe conditions. In addition to a Workers Compensation claim, an injured worker may also have available a Work Injury Damages claim. Between a Workers Compensation and Work Injury Damages claim, benefits can be recovered for:
Non-economic loss (pain and suffering)
Past and future medical treatment expenses
Loss of income, including the impact on your future earning capacity
Past and future loss of superannuation benefits.
Medical and home aids, such as home cleaning, nursing, wheelchairs, and support bars. This also includes modifying your house and car to accommodate wheelchairs and other accessibility equipment.
Costs incurred from continued disabilities.
A contribution towards your legal costs and disbursements.
In order to determine whether you have a Workers Compensation claim and/or a Work Injury Damages claim, you need the guidance and assistance provided by expert Workers Compensation lawyers available to you at Brydens Lawyers. Strict time limits may apply with respect to the prosecution of both a Workers Compensation and Work Injury Damages claim so do not delay.
While many employers may initially provide some financial support when you are too incapacitated to work, this does not mean they have accepted responsibility. Your full benefits will only be unlocked once your employer and their insurance company have completed their investigation. This can take several months to multiple years in exceptional circumstances.
Due to the complexity of Workers’ Compensation cases and the employer/insurance company’s bias to contest claims, hiring a workplace injury lawyer can be invaluable to protect your rights. They have the experience and expertise to navigate legal matters, manage effective communication, strategise your response and argue your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
If you are unsure where you stand, you should contact Brydens Lawyers if:
You have a case, but do not know how to start proceedings
You are unsure whether you have a case to claim Personal Injury
You have previously won a Workers’ Compensation claim, but need help collecting the maximum damages you are entitled to
You have previously submitted a Workers’ Compensation claim, which was rejected and want to appeal
Preventing personal injury in the workplace is not just a legal requirement — it is a shared responsibility. Employers must lead by example through strong occupational health and safety practices, regular training, and maintaining a culture that prioritises wellbeing over convenience. Employees, in turn, contribute by staying alert, following procedures, and speaking up when they notice risks.
Even with the best strategies outlining how to avoid personal injury in the workplace, accidents still happen. When they do, it is crucial to act quickly — seek medical attention, report the incident, and contact a workplace Personal Injury lawyer at Brydens Lawyers.
With an esteemed reputation for advocating for the rights of our clients for over 50 years, there is no one more adept to guide you through the entire process and achieve favourable results. To ensure nothing stops you from pursuing your best interests, we work to a No-Win, No-Fee* policy. That means you will not have to pay if we are unable to prosecute your case successfully. (*Conditions apply).
Do not delay making your claim — book a complimentary* consultation online or call us at 1800 848 848 to ensure your recovery and financial stability are protected. (*Conditions apply).
We're here to assist you in claiming the compensation you deserve on a No Win, No Fee* basis. Enquire now to start your claim today. *Conditions apply.