Monday January 12th, 2026
New data released during National Safe Work Month shows that psychological injuries in Australian workplaces are rising faster — and costing more — than any other type of harm.
Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025 report reveals a 14.7 per cent increase in serious mental health injury claims in just one year, rising from 15,300 to 17,600 claims in 2023–24. Mental health conditions now account for 12% of all serious claims, the highest proportion recorded.
The upward trend has been building for a decade. Serious psychological claims have increased by 161% over the past ten years — the largest growth of any injury category.
Unlike many physical injuries, the consequences of psychological harm are often longer lasting and more disruptive to both workers and businesses. Workers with a psychological injury are off work for an average of 35.7 weeks, almost five times longer than other serious injury claims. Compensation costs tell a similar story, with a median payout of $67,400, compared to $16,300 for other injuries.
These figures reflect the complexity of recovery and the underlying cultural issues that contribute to harm in the first place. They also reflect a growing empowerment among Australian workers, who are taking their mental health at work seriously.
The most common causes of serious mental stress claims were harassment and workplace bullying (33.2%), work pressure (24.2%), and exposure to violence and harassment (15.7%) — hazards that are commonly linked to leadership behaviour, work design, and organisational climate.
Safe Work Australia notes that psychological injuries are also among the most expensive to manage, placing a growing financial burden on compensation systems and employers. The evidence points to the need for prevention, not just reaction in Australian workplaces.
Under evolving work health and safety laws, employers have the same legal responsibility to protect workers from psychological harm as they do physical risk. That means taking proactive steps to identify, eliminate, or manage psychosocial hazards such as excessive workloads, low support, poor change management, conflict or aggression, and sustained emotional demands.
Strengthening workplace culture and improving job design are proven to reduce absenteeism, boost productivity and improve staff retention.
This year’s data sends a clear warning: mental health risks can no longer be treated as secondary to physical risks.
Protecting mental health must become a core part of safety management, for both workers and employers. Prioritising prevention today will protect workers and keep businesses strong and sustainable in the future.
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