Injury is any physical or mental harm caused by intentional or unintentional contact with an object, substance, or another person. And while we often think of injuries as “random” or “accidents”, injuries can be prevented.
In Western Australia, injuries significantly affect our health system, quality of life, mental well-being, and the community. Injuries occur across all ages, from toddlers to older adults. In 2023, injury was the leading cause of death for Western Australians aged 15–44 and the third leading cause of death across the entire population, with falls, intentional self‑harm, and poisoning as the leading causes.
By understanding how and why injuries happen, we can reduce harm — and in many cases, prevent injuries altogether.
Types of injuries
- Intentional injuries include:
- Violence
- Self-harm
- Suicide and self-inflicted injuries
- Unintentional injuries include:
- Road and marine incidents
- Falls
- Sport injuries
- Drowning
- Poisoning
- Burns
Injuries are often shaped by broader influences such as alcohol, the built environment, and climate/ extreme weather events.
So, who is responsible for preventing injuries?
Injury prevention isn’t a single job title, department or organisation. It’s a sector made up of people who may not realise they’re already contributing. Because injuries occur in homes, communities, roads, schools, health settings and recreation spaces, reducing them requires a broad and connected network.
If you work in health, mental health, transport, education, sport, planning, community services, or government, chances are, you’re already part of the injury prevention sector.
To see sustained reductions in injury Western Australia needs coordinated, cross-sector action supported by investment in research, policy, culturally appropriate programs, safer environments, community education, workforce development, and strong partnerships.
Every decision, service, conversation, or design choice you make can help shape a safer WA.
How Can You Get Involved?
The Know Injury program provides people like you, working in the injury prevention sector, with knowledge and skills to deliver evidence-informed injury prevention activities.
- Download our resources
- Complete the Injury Prevention 101 eLearning module
- Attend training events
- Join the Injury Prevention Network
Together, across disciplines and communities, we can reduce the burden of injury and build a safer future for all Western Australians.