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For Businesses
For Workers
• 6 min read
By
Ginny at AusRehab
Mechanical equipment injuries make up a significant portion of workplace-related injuries and fatalities in Australia. According to Safe Work Australia, there were 413,749 serious workers compensation claims linked to non-powered hand tools, appliances, and equipment up to 2024. Claims from machinery operators and drivers account for 14.6% of total claims, and machinery use contributed to 37% of work-related fatalities last year.
In this article, we discuss the most common mechanical equipment injuries, how they happen, and how to prevent them. Read on to learn relevant regulations and how to create a safe workplace.
The most common machinery equipment injuries are to hands and fingers, often leading to extended time off work and, in some cases, permanent disability.
Other injuries resulting from workplace accidents involving mechanical equipment can include:
Are you at risk? Check if you work in one of these industries:
Workers in these industries are especially vulnerable to mechanical equipment injuries. That said, work-related injuries can occur in any workplace, across any industry — which is why we urge everyone to prioritise and promote safe workplace practices.
These incidents fall under key WHS categories including body stressing and slips. They can happen at a high frequency, in the blink of an eye — often due to preventable hazards.
It doesn’t take much for things to go wrong. Below are the common mechanical hazards behind serious workplace injuries:
Without proper instruction on how to operate machines safely, workers are more likely to misuse equipment or skip critical safety steps. Training such as manual handling instructions should be regular and up-to-date for all workers – on how to operate machines safely, the latest safety standards, what to do if incidents happen, etc.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, helmets, hearing protection, and goggles is compulsory for lots of workplaces. However, do provide workers with instructions on how to use PPE properly, to prevent work-related machinery injuries.
Unchecked wear and tear, missing guards, and faulty parts of a machine can quickly lead to serious injury. Inspect machines regularly, maintain and repair them, and keep a log – this will help bring down the costly workplace injury.
In preventing machinery equipment injuries at work, a combination of physical controls, workplace design, and administrative practices should be taken.
Creating a safe workplace is a legal requirement under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. As the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you carry the responsibilities of providing suitable and sufficient information, training and instruction to workers. In relation to machinery and equipment, you need to inform workers:
Failing to meet the listed WHS compliance requirements can lead to penalties of up to $30,000.
Injured by machinery or mechanical equipment? There is a silver lining: you’re protected by workers compensation. If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to:
At AusRehab, we support injured workers throughout their recovery and return-to-work journey. Whether it’s liaising with doctors, developing tailored rehab plans, or helping you understand your rights — we’re here for you.
Injuries are hard enough. You shouldn’t have to navigate recovery alone. Reach out to our team if you or someone you know is injured. Let us help you move forward — with care, clarity, and confidence.
Common injuries include lacerations, amputations, fractures, and repetitive strain injuries.
Under the WHS Regulation 2011, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for providing a safe working environment and ensuring training, supervision, and risk controls are in place.
Yes. You may be entitled to workers compensation benefits including income support and medical expenses.
Manual handling training, safety equipment, engineering controls, and proper PPE use are key to injury prevention.
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