What is the most common workers’ comp claim?

What Is the Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claim in Australia?

Workers’ compensation is a vital aspect of workplace safety in Australia, offering financial support and access to medical care for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. Understanding the most common types of workers’ compensation claims not only helps employers focus on prevention strategies but also empowers employees to recognize and address workplace hazards. According to the latest data from Safe Work Australia, musculoskeletal injuries—often referred to as “body stressing” injuries—remain the most common reason for serious workers’ compensation claims across the country. However, the landscape is evolving, with mental health claims rising rapidly in recent years.

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Musculoskeletal Injuries: The Leading Cause of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Musculoskeletal injuries are injuries or disorders that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. These injuries are responsible for the majority of serious workers’ compensation claims in Australia, accounting for more than half (57%) of all serious claims.

How Do Musculoskeletal Injuries Occur?

These injuries are typically caused by:

• Lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects: Manual handling tasks, especially when performed incorrectly, are a primary cause.

• Repetitive movements or overuse: Tasks that require repeated motions, such as assembly line work, can lead to strains and sprains.

• Awkward or sustained postures: Working in positions that strain the body, such as bending, twisting, or reaching, increases risk.

• Slips, trips, and falls: These can result in sudden injuries to muscles and joints.

Common examples include back injuries, shoulder strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. While some injuries may heal quickly, others can lead to chronic pain or long-term disability, requiring ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

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Breakdown of Serious Claims: The Data

The 2020-21 Safe Work Australia report provides a detailed breakdown:

• Traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries: 40% of all serious claims

• Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases: 16% of serious claims

• Wounds, lacerations, amputations, and internal organ damage: 15%

• Mental health conditions: 9%

• Other diseases (respiratory, cancers, etc.): 4%

This data highlights the overwhelming dominance of musculoskeletal injuries, but also points to a significant and growing proportion of mental health claims.

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The Rise of Mental Health Claims

While physical injuries remain the most common, mental health conditions are an increasingly important part of the workers’ compensation landscape. Mental health claims now make up 9% of all serious claims and account for a striking 71% of all disease-related claims.

Causes of Mental Health Claims

• Workplace stress and high-pressure environments

• Bullying, harassment, or workplace violence

• Exposure to traumatic events (especially in healthcare, emergency services, and education)

Mental health claims are notable not only for their increasing frequency but also for their severity. The average time off work for a mental health claim is almost four times longer than for physical injuries, reflecting the complexity and impact of psychological harm.

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Industries and Occupations Most Affected

Certain industries and occupations are more prone to workers’ compensation claims, especially for musculoskeletal injuries:

• Industries with the highest rates of serious claims:

  • Agriculture, forestry, and fishing

  • Health care and social assistance

  • Manufacturing

  • Transport, postal, and warehousing

  • Construction

• Occupations with the highest claim rates:

  • Labourers

  • Community and personal service workers

  • Machinery operators and drivers

These sectors often involve physically demanding tasks, repetitive motions, or high-risk environments, increasing the likelihood of both physical and psychological injuries.

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Trends and Emerging Issues

• Decline in Musculoskeletal Claims:
  While musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common, their frequency has declined over the past decade due to improved safety practices, ergonomic interventions, and better training.

• Increase in Psychological Claims:
  Mental health claims have risen by 28% between 2007-08 and 2019-20, reflecting greater awareness, reduced stigma, and changing workplace dynamics.

• Occupational Violence:
  Incidents of assault at work, especially in healthcare and public administration, are increasing, though they still represent a smaller proportion of total claims.

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Prevention and Employer Responsibilities

Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, employers should:

• Provide training in safe manual handling techniques

• Invest in ergonomic workplace design and equipment

• Encourage regular breaks and job rotation to reduce repetitive strain

• Foster a culture of safety and early reporting of hazards

With mental health claims on the rise, employers must also:

• Address psychosocial risks proactively

• Implement anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies

• Provide access to employee assistance programs and mental health resources

• Promote a supportive and inclusive work environment

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Summary Table: Most Common Serious Workers’ Compensation Claims (Australia, 2020–21)

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Conclusion

Musculoskeletal injuries—especially those affecting joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons—are the most common type of workers’ compensation claim in Australia, reflecting the physical demands of many jobs. However, the rapid rise in mental health claims signals a shift in workplace risk profiles, emphasizing the need for both physical and psychological safety initiatives. By prioritizing prevention, fostering supportive workplaces, and encouraging early intervention, employers and workers can help reduce the incidence and impact of workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring safer and healthier Australian workplaces for all.