New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights the significant impact of injury on Western Australians, with injury remaining the third leading cause of death in WA in 2025.
In WA a total of 1,726 people died as a result of injury in 2025. The leading causes of injury deaths were;
- Falls (n=669)
- Intentional self-harm (n=417)
- Poisoning (n=244)
- Transport incidents (n=210)
The burden of injury was not experienced equally across the population. Males experienced a considerably higher crude injury death rate than females, with 71.4 deaths per 100,000 males compared with 41.9 deaths per 100,000 females.
Additionally, an injury topic was the leading cause of death among individuals aged 1-14 years;
- 1-14 years = land transport accidents (n=10)
- 15-24 years = intentional self-harm (n=46)
- 25-34 years = Intentional self-harm (n=82)
- 35-44 years = Intentional self-harm (n=83)
Injury deaths resulted in 32,821 years of potential life lost, reflecting the large number of deaths that occur prematurely and the significant loss of life across the community.
These findings reinforce the importance of a coordinated, evidence-informed approach to injury prevention.
At Injury Matters, we are committed to strengthening injury prevention efforts across Western Australia by supporting practitioners, organisations, and communities with evidence, resources, workforce development opportunities, and advocacy. By working together, we can reduce injury-related harm and create safer, healthier communities for all Western Australians.