The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033 has been agreed by all Australian governments and is evidence-based with a vision for safe and healthy work for all.

The strategy sets an overarching national framework which will inform the work of SafeWork SA and other key stakeholders over the next decade towards the goal of reduced worker fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

It outlines targets to measure progress, including a reduction in worker fatalities caused by traumatic injuries by 30 per cent.

SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director Glenn Farrell said the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033 represents an important national collaboration and commitment of working together towards the vision of safe and healthy work for all.

‘The strategy provides an overarching national framework emphasising collaboration and coordination across the WHS system,’ he said.

‘This will be key to improving work health and safety over the next decade.’

Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Baxter said everyone who goes to work has the right to return home safely.

‘While data shows that fatal and serious injuries at work have declined over the last decade, Australian workers are still getting sick and injured, sometimes fatally, from work,’ she said.

‘This new strategy addresses ongoing and emerging challenges over the next decade, including managing psychosocial risks, the rise of artificial intelligence, automation and related technologies, and new types of work including gig and platform work.

‘It also focuses attention on industries with the highest rates of injuries, illnesses and fatalities to have the largest impact on reducing fatalities, injuries and illnesses in Australia.

‘Through this strategy, we are focusing our efforts to ensure the work health and safety system in Australia can improve outcomes and address emerging challenges over the next decade.’

Safe Work Australia Chair Joanne Farrell said the strategy sets a national framework for improving work health and safety over the next 10 years.

‘Achieving the vision of the strategy – safe and healthy work for all – is not possible without the important contributions of key stakeholders,’ she said.

‘Jurisdictions, industry groups, WHS researchers, experts, practitioners and workers all have a role to play in realising progress under the strategy.

‘I invite everyone in the work health and safety system to play a part in realising the ambitious outcomes set by the strategy.’

Further links:

• Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033