제  목 : WORKSAFE NEWS : Statistics Update
  일  자 : 1998년 11월
  제공처 : Internet

  Statistics Update
  =================

Trends over time

Data shown for 1995-96 are preliminary and are taken from an earlier stage
of workers' compensation claims processing than were the figures for
previous years. In most cases it would be expected that a significant
number of cases would be added to these data over time. Consequently,
these 1995-96 data tend to understate the incidence and frequency of
occurrences in comparison to previous years (see Figures a. and b.).
Caution should be exercised in assessing trends on the basis of the
figures shown.

Nevertheless, in the context of the above, the data provided indicate that
there has been at least marginal improvement in the incidence and frequency
of work-related injury and disease occurrences over the last two years.
However, the overall result is that levels of occupational injury and
disease are no better now than they were in 1991-92.

Figure c. indicates that some industries have been able to achieve
significant improvements in OHS performance.Mining and Construction appear
to have experienced significant drops in incidence rates over the period
shown. On the other hand, no similar trend in the Manufacturing industry
has been evident.Figure d. suggests that incidence rates have not improved
on the levels of 1991-92 for the occupations which account for about two-
thirds of all occurrences.

  Summary of key findings for 1995-96

  

Preliminary data show that in 1995-96, there were 361 compensated
fatalities in Australia (excluding the Australian Capital Territory) which
occurred as a consequence of workplace activity. A further 78 fatalities
occurred on a journey to or from work. The preliminary fatalities incidence
rate for Australia for 1995--96 was 0.05 occurrences for each 1,000 wage
and salary earners (see Figure e.). When other sources of data are examined
, the total number of work-related fatalities is estimated to be around
2,900 each year.

  

The total number of workers' compensation cases reported in Australia in
1995-96 which resulted in a fatality, permanent disability or a temporary
disability resulting in an absence from work of one week (5 working days)
or more was 133,408 (excluding Victoria and the Australian Capital
Territory).

    

Incidence rates, occurrences for each thousand wage and salary earners,
were 25.5 for all people; made up of 34.3 for males and 14.7 for females
(excluding Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory). Frequency
rates, occurrences for each million hours worked, were 14.5 for all
people, made up of 17.2 for males; and 9.9 for females (excluding Victoria
and the Australian Capital Territory).

    

Nationally (excluding Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory), the
Mining industry had the highest incidence rate (54) at over twice the
national rate and the highest frequency rate (24), 70% higher than the
national rate.

    

In the jurisdictions for which comparable occupation information was
available, the major group Labourers and Related Workers had the highest
incidence rate (60 for each 1,000 wage and salary earners) and the highest
frequency rate (39 for each million hours worked).

     

The injury/disease which accounted for the highest proportion of all cases
in 1995-96 was Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles (48%).
Approximately 24% of all new injury/disease cases affected the bodily
location Back - upper or lower. The most prevalent cause of injury/disease
was Body stressing which was listed as the cause of injury/disease in 38%
of cases, while the most frequently recorded breakdown agency was
Non-powered handtools, appliances and equipment (22% of cases).

     

Supplementary tables to the Compendium of Workers' Compensation
Statistics, Australia 1995-96 are on the NOHSC Web site
< www.worksafe.gov.au >

   For further information, please contact Greg Foley, Statistics Unit,
NOHSC Office, phone (02) 9577 9293, fax (02) 9577 9300,
email foleyg@worksafe.gov.au