New statistics show a rise in work-related injuries among apprentices and trainees.

Safe Work Australia has unveiled a new snapshot of the work health and safety outcomes for apprentices and trainees. The figures shed light on the types and causes of work-related injuries and diseases experienced by these young workers, with a particular focus on those employed in the Construction and Manufacturing industries.

Over a five-year period from 2016 to 2021, the number of serious claims, defined as cases involving a total absence from work for one week or more, among apprentices and trainees increased by 41 percent. This occurred despite the overall increase in the number of apprentices and trainees being just 13 per cent.

The snapshot highlights the heightened risk of the Construction, Manufacturing, and Other services industries, which accounted for more than two-thirds of all serious workers’ compensation claims for apprentices and trainees. Half of these claims (49.9 per cent) were attributed solely to the Construction industry.

Within the Construction industry, the most prevalent type of work-related injury for apprentices and trainees under the age of 30 were lacerations or open wounds not involving traumatic amputation. The most common cause of work-related injuries in this category was attributed to falls, trips, and slips.

In the Manufacturing industry, a similar pattern emerged among apprentices and trainees under 30, with lacerations or open wounds not involving traumatic amputation being the most prevalent type of injury. The most common cause of work-related injuries in this sector was being hit by moving objects.

The eye-opening snapshot draws on data from the National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics (NDS), which serves as Safe Work Australia's primary source of information on work-related injuries and diseases. It is intended to allow experts to analyse trends and identify areas that require urgent attention to improve the health and safety of young workers.

The WHS outcomes for apprentices and trainees snapshot is accessible here.