OHS-WHS
Who pays for workplace injuries?
The cost (in $ billions) and as a percentage, 2008-09
60.6
74%
44.84
21%
12.73
5%
3.03
Workers
Community Employers
Total
Workers
Community Employers
Source: Safe Work Australia Get the data
As you can see from the graphic above, the vast majority of these costs are borne by workers.
The average cost per case of injury or illness is A$99,100, and A$73,300 of this is paid for by the injured worker.
The latest ABS data shed some more light on sources of financial assistance for injured workers. Many injured
Australian workers receive no financial assistance. About one third access workers’ compensation and about a
quarter receive support from their employer, such as paid sick leave or other entitlements.
Sources of financial assistance
Main source of financial assistance for injured workers (percentage), 2013-14
No financial
assistance
38.66
Medicare/social security/Centrelink
6.05
other
6.90
Workers
compensation
34.45
Employer sick leave or
other payment
25.59
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Get the data
‘Other’ includes private health
insurance or income protection
(3.05%); family and friends (0.60%).
No data for 3.25% of workers.
GOVLINK » ISSUE 3 2016
65