More than 2.3 million Australians work in sales and service roles, with many in customer-facing, casual and variable-hour positions. These workforce characteristics can increase vulnerability to work health and safety (WHS) risks and make some workers less confident in reporting concerns or making claims.
New research highlights ongoing exposure to bullying, violence and aggression, high job demands, low job control and limited workplace support.
Key findings
- Body stressing remains the leading cause of serious injury.
- Psychosocial hazards are contributing to poor mental health outcomes, longer absences and higher compensation costs.
- Younger and insecure workers face greater barriers to reporting safety concerns.
- 46% of sales and service workers are casually employed, compared with 22% across other occupations.
- 36% are aged 15–24, compared with 15% across other occupations.
- 38% report variable income between pay periods, compared with 28%.
The findings reinforce the need for employers to look beyond workers’ compensation data and address the physical and psychosocial risks affecting this large and often vulnerable workforce.