Data snapshot - MSDs

WorkSafe ACT data shows that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the third most common cause of accepted workers' compensation claims in the ACT, making up 17% of all accepted claims. Newly collated WorkSafe ACT data shows that between 2023-24 and 2024-25, there were 935 accepted workers' compensation claims for MSDs in the ACT.

MSDs include a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supporting blood vessels. They can affect workers across almost every industry and occupation, from office-based roles through to construction, health care and retail. MSDs often develop as a result of hazardous manual tasks, including repetitive movements, sustained or awkward postures, forceful exertions, heavy lifting, pushing and pulling loads, or exposure to vibration.

The Health Care and Social Assistance industry recorded the highest proportion of accepted MSD claims, accounting for 19% of claims, while the construction industry made up the second highest proportion with 16%. Workers in the retail trade industry were the third most represented at 13%. The gender split of MSD claims was relatively even, with men accounting for 59%, and women representing 41% of claims. This split remains consistent across all age ranges, with the highest number of claims made by those aged 25-34 at 32%, followed by 35-44 (20%) and under 25 (17%).

You can see this information highlighted in the infographic below or view a more detailed version.