More Tasmanian workers are being injured on-the-job, with new figures showing a rise in work-related injuries over the past year.
According to WorkSafe Tasmania, there were 8,019 work-related injuries in 2022-23, an increase of 2.6% compared to the previous 12 months.
The rise was driven by a 1.4% jump in physical injuries and a 3.8% increase in mental health injuries.
Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs Michael Ferguson said the trend is concerning.
“These are not just numbers, they represent our colleagues, friends and family members who have endured the consequences of unsafe working conditions,” he said.
“WorkSafe Month is a prime opportunity for all of us to learn more about how we can play our part in combatting these worrying trends and the importance of returning home safely after work.”
The annual awareness campaign kicks off on October 1 with a program of 56 free events held in locations across Tasmania and online.
“This year, landmarks across Tasmania, including the Tasman Bridge in Hobart, Launceston Town Hall and the paranaple Centre in Devonport, will be lit up in orange throughout October,” he said.
“It is only through a shared commitment and working collaboratively to all play our part that we can meaningfully reduce work-related injuries.”
