Agriculture, forestry and fishing are Australia’s second-most dangerous lines of work, with 53 deaths in 2012. This news follows New Zealand figures that reflect much the same findings (DTN 42). Source: The Land
Workers in this industry are more likely to die from being hit by an animal, drowning and heat exposure than any other industry on the top 10 list.
The transport and storage industry recorded the highest number of deaths, with 65 workers killed on the job in 2012, comparison website Life Insurance Finder found.
Muscular stress while lifting, carrying or putting down objects was the most common cause of serious injury across all industries.
“Many Australian workers have to drive vehicles or lift things as part of their job and they may not realise how dangerous their work can be,” said Finder spokeswoman Michelle Hutchison.
Other jobs on the list included public administration, safety and defence (13 deaths, 5330 injuries); mining (seven deaths, 2670 injuries); professional, scientific and technical services (six deaths, 2100 injuries); wholesale trade (five deaths, 5315 injuries); and utilities (five deaths, 530 injuries).
The list ranks jobs based on the number of deaths in 2012. The research defines a serious injury as resulting in an absence from work of one week or more.
