When you think about workplace injuries, heavy lifting and dangerous machinery might come to mind. But surprisingly, the most common workers’ compensation claim in Australia often comes from something much more everyday: manual handling injuries. In this guide, we’ll look at what these claims involve, why they’re so frequent, and what workers and employers can do to manage them — while answering all the questions real people are googling about work injury claims.

What counts as a “common” workers’ compensation claim?

In the context of workers’ compensation, “common” refers to the types of injuries most frequently reported that result in time off work or medical treatment. According to Safe Work Australia, the majority of accepted claims fall under:

• Body stressing (e.g. lifting, pushing, pulling)

• Falls, slips and trips

• Being hit by moving objects

• Mental stress

• Vehicle incidents (especially in trades and transport)

These injuries tend to happen across a range of industries — from construction and healthcare to retail and admin — which is part of why they’re so common.

What exactly is “body stressing”?

Body stressing is a broad term used in workers’ compensation claims to describe musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, or lifting. It includes:

• Back strains from lifting boxes

• Shoulder injuries from repetitive overhead work

• Knee injuries from squatting or climbing stairs

• Muscle sprains from pushing or pulling equipment

These types of injuries make up over one-third of all serious work-related injury claims in Australia. They’re particularly common in jobs involving physical labour but also show up in office environments due to poor ergonomics or posture-related issues.

Why do body stressing injuries happen so often?

There are a few key reasons why these injuries top the list:

• Repetitive tasks – Doing the same movements all day can lead to wear and tear

• Poor manual handling techniques – Lifting with your back, not your legs

• Inadequate training – Not everyone knows the safest way to handle loads

• Time pressure – Rushing to meet deadlines can lead to mistakes

• Lack of rest – Fatigue increases the risk of strain injuries

Even minor discomfort can develop into a serious issue over time, which is why early reporting and proper assessment are critical.

Are mental health claims becoming more common?

Yes — while physical injuries are still the majority, psychological injury claims have increased significantly in recent years. These include:

• Work-related stress

• Bullying and harassment

• Traumatic incidents (particularly in emergency services or healthcare)

• Burnout and anxiety

Mental health claims are often more complex to manage and tend to require longer recovery times. They now make up around 9% of serious workers’ compensation claims nationally.

Which industries have the most claims?

Some industries consistently report more claims than others, usually because of the nature of the work. The top industries for workers’ comp claims in Queensland and across Australia are:

• Healthcare and social assistance

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Transport and warehousing

• Retail and hospitality

In these sectors, physical and emotional demands are high, and workers are more exposed to injury risks.

What types of injuries lead to the most time off work?

Not every injury is equally disruptive. The injuries that typically lead to the longest absences from work include:

• Fractures (especially lower limb)

• Back injuries (common in lifting accidents)

• Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries

• Mental health injuries

• Crush injuries and amputations (though less common)

Even a soft tissue injury can lead to extended time off if not properly managed early. That’s why early intervention and treatment are crucial to recovery and return to work.

How do you know if your injury qualifies for workers’ comp?

In Queensland, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation if:

• You were injured at work or while carrying out work-related duties

• Your injury or illness is linked to your employment

• You are a worker as defined under WorkCover Queensland

You may have a valid work injury claim whether the injury was physical or psychological. Common examples include:

• Being hurt lifting heavy items at work

• Slipping on a wet floor at your workplace

• Developing carpal tunnel from repetitive office tasks

• Experiencing anxiety from sustained bullying

Always report the injury as soon as possible and seek medical advice — it’s the first step to lodging a claim.

What happens after you lodge a workers’ compensation claim?

Once a claim is lodged with WorkCover Queensland or a self-insurer:

1. Your injury is assessed – including medical reports and incident details

2. The insurer decides – whether to accept or deny the claim

3. Payments may begin – for time off work or medical treatment

4. Rehabilitation support – might be offered to help you return to work

If your claim is denied, you may still have legal options, especially if the injury has long-term consequences. That’s where speaking with personal injury lawyers Brisbane locals rely on for no win no fee help can be useful.

How can employers reduce the number of claims?

Preventing the most common injuries is possible with a strong focus on safety. Smart employers:

• Train staff in correct manual handling techniques

• Conduct ergonomic assessments

• Encourage early reporting of discomfort

• Provide mental health support

• Ensure safety procedures are followed

• Regularly assess risk in the workplace

Reducing injuries doesn’t just protect staff — it also lowers insurance premiums and improves productivity.

Can a common workers’ comp injury lead to a long-term claim?

Yes, unfortunately. Even common injuries like back strains or shoulder injuries can result in permanent impairment if not treated early and properly. Some workers go on to make common law claims if the injury occurred due to employer negligence.

A common law claim may involve compensation for:

• Pain and suffering

• Past and future lost income

• Medical and rehabilitation costs

• Loss of quality of life

This is separate from the initial statutory WorkCover claim and usually requires help from a workers compensation lawyer.

What should I do if I’ve had a body stressing injury at work?

Here are the steps to take:

• Report the injury to your employer right away

• Visit a doctor and get a work capacity certificate

• Lodge a claim with WorkCover Queensland

• Follow medical and rehab advice

• Keep records of symptoms, time off work, and costs

If you’re unsure about the claim process or feel it’s been mishandled, a no win no fee lawyer can help you understand your options — without you paying anything if you don’t get a result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common type of workplace injury?
Body stressing injuries like back strains, shoulder pain, and repetitive strain injuries are the most commonly reported.

Do I need a lawyer for a WorkCover claim?
Not always — but legal help is useful if your claim is denied, or your injury is serious and long-term.

Can I claim workers’ comp for stress or anxiety?
Yes, mental health injuries are recognised and growing in claim numbers, particularly when linked to work conditions.

Further Reading

WorkCover Queensland – Workers’ Compensation Basics
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/claims-and-return-to-work/workers

Safe Work Australia – Work-Related Injuries Data
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/statistics-and-research

Queensland Health – Preventing Work Injuries
https://www.health.qld.gov.au

The most common workers’ compensation claims in Australia involve body stressing injuries — think back pain, sprains, and overuse injuries caused by lifting or repetitive tasks. They might seem minor at first but can lead to serious time off work and long-term health issues. Understanding how these injuries happen, what your rights are, and how the claim process works is key. And with the right legal support, such as a no win no fee arrangement, you don’t have to carry the burden alone if things become complicated.