WorkSafe Victoria’s Top Five Industries to Tackle Workplace Harm

What’s going down?

WorkSafe Victoria is zooming in on five major industries over the next year to slash workplace deaths and injuries across the state

Here’s the low‑down:

• Health care and social assistance
• Construction
• Government
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing

Together, these industries have made up nearly 60 per cent of work‑related deaths and accepted injury claims over the past five years

The aim? To hit bold targets from the WorkSafe Victoria Strategy: 30 per cent fewer fatalities and 20 per cent fewer injuries over five years.

How will WorkSafe do it?

According to Sam Jenkin, the Chief Health and Safety Officer, it’s all about putting resources where the damage is biggest and the risks are real

They’re bringing out a toolkit that features:

• Targeted visits and assessments
• Education and awareness campaigns
• Collaboration with industry partners
• Regulatory action, including potential criminal charges for serious breaches

Importantly, even industries outside those top five won’t be ignored. WorkSafe will keep offering support, education and guidance to all employers to help them meet their safety obligations

Focus on the trouble spots

On top of industry‑specific efforts, these hazards are getting special attention across all sectors:

• Falls from height
• Occupational violence and aggression
• Hazardous manual handling
• Bullying and harassment
• Occupational illness and disease
• Loading and unloading
• Mobile plant risks

It’s not just about pointing fingers. WorkSafe is keen to consult with industry and keep everyone in the loop, so businesses get why safety matters and how to do it right.

TL;DR

WorkSafe Victoria is focusing on five industries that account for most workplace harm. They’ve got a mix of education, enforcement and collaboration lined up, plus they’re tackling the key hazards that cause physical and psychological injury across all industries. All aiming at those big safety goals by 2025–26.

Reference: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-08/key-industries-worksafes-radar-reduce-harm