The workforce

This industry grouping covers a wide range of activities, separated into 11 groups:

• Grocery, liquor and tobacco product wholesaling
• Timber and hardware goods wholesaling
• Other machinery and equipment wholesaling
• Agricultural product wholesaling
• Mineral, metal and chemical wholesaling
• Specialised industrial machinery and equipment wholesaling
• Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesaling
• Textile, clothing and footwear wholesaling
• Pharmaceutical and toiletry goods wholesaling
• Furniture, floor covering and other goods wholesaling
• Commission-based wholesaling

2% of the total Tasmanian workforce

84% of workers are employed full time

26% of workers are employed in Grocery, liquor and tobacco product wholesaling, making it the largest employing groups

The injuries

204 injuries across the industry group in 2018

30% of injuries over the last ten years resulted in at least one week off work

6.7 serious injuries per million hours worked, 23% lower than the state average of 8.7

13% lower serious injury frequency rate than ten years ago, lower than the statewide decrease of 16% in the same period

The people

Grocery, liquor and tobacco product wholesaling had the highest serious injury frequency rate, closely followed by Timber and hardware goods wholesaling

Grocery, liquor and tobacco product wholesaling accounted for 41% of injuries

Occupations with the highest percentage of serious injuries

• 25% Storepersons
• 9% Truck drivers
• 8% Miscellaneous labourers
• 7% Sales assistants and salespersons

The causes

The most common causes of injury across the industry

• Body stressing
• Falls, slips and trips
• Being hit by moving objects
• Mental stress

Action areas

Priority conditions and causes identified in the WorkSafe Strategic Plan 2018-2023 relevant to the industry

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Hazardous manual task
• Slips, trips and falls
• Safe movement of vehicles and plant
• Mental health conditions