As safety consultants, it’s always sobering to reflect on workplace fatalities and incidents. Nationally, in 2024, 168 workers were killed at work, and in the first quarter of 2025, that figure was 22.
A deep dive into Victoria shows it remains one of the safest places to work globally, but the reality is that too many lives continue to be lost on the job.
2024 was no exception. While transport, construction, and agriculture were the deadliest sectors, workplace fatalities were spread across more than half of all industries, affecting dozens of occupations. Tragically, workers lost included labourers, truck drivers, farmers, farmhands, electricians, carpenters, firefighters, traffic controllers, teachers, and delivery drivers.
This toll is a stark reminder that no industry is immune to workplace tragedies. We must stay vigilant and continue prioritising safety, no matter the sector or role.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, 18 workers lost their lives following traumatic workplace incidents, while 12 were killed in traffic collisions. Additionally, 17 people died due to diseases contracted during their employment, two workers were lost to work-related medical complications, and one worker died due to a criminal offence.
It’s not just fatalities that paint a grim picture – more than 25,500 workers were injured seriously enough to require a compensation claim in 2024. Many of these incidents are preventable, and it’s vital that we continue to challenge the status quo when it comes to safety practices.
We must also recognise that certain occupations and environments pose higher risks. For instance, labourers accounted for 14 work-related deaths, truck drivers for four, and electricians for three. Vehicles and machinery were involved in 23 workplace fatalities, with vehicle incidents (both on and off-road) being the leading cause.
There’s also a geographic element to consider. Last year, 33 deaths occurred in metropolitan Melbourne, including nine in the southern metro area, while 17 fatalities took place in regional Victoria. Greater Dandenong recorded the highest number of work-related deaths, with five lives lost.
While the total number of workplace deaths decreased from 73 in 2023 to 50 in 2024, it’s still far too high. We must remain committed to creating safer workplaces and supporting one another in staying vigilant. This includes learning from investigations and prosecutions, such as the 12 successful cases in 2024, including Victoria’s first conviction under workplace manslaughter laws, which included a $1.3 million dollar fine, and the director placed on a two-year Community Corrections Order.
Ultimately, safety is everyone’s responsibility. As we move forward, let’s stay focused on implementing better practices, promoting awareness, and ensuring that no family has to experience the loss of a loved one due to workplace negligence. Together, we can work towards a future where fewer workplace fatalities are the norm.
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