New national data is exposing a troubling workplace reality: the majority of Australians are choosing their paychecks over their physical recovery, and the financial fallout is reshaping how injuries heal—or fail to heal—across the country.
As WorkSpace Week 2026 kicks off from 19–25 October, an independent survey commissioned by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) reveals that nine in ten (89%) working Australians who experienced work-related pain over the past year kept going even when they believed rest or time off was the right call. The survey, conducted by independent research firm Pureprofile, polled 1,056 Australians and found that financial pressure is a primary driver.
Nearly half (49%) of those who worked through pain said they couldn’t afford to lose income, with that figure climbing to 54% among women. The rising cost of living has also stopped 45% of working pain sufferers from taking time off to recover, while 42% said they delayed or skipped medical treatment due to financial constraints.
The 2026 Impact of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders or Injuries on Australian Workers survey found that three in four Australians (76%) who have ever worked—including retirees and those on leave—have dealt with a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) or injury. Among current workers, that number jumps to 83%. Even more concerning, 43% of working pain sufferers regularly push through pain despite feeling they should rest, with women (50%) far more likely than men (37%) to do so. Meanwhile, 40% of those with work-related pain never told their employer about their condition.
Job security fears are also front and centre, with 43% of those continuing to work in pain citing it as a concern—a figure that rises to 50% among workers aged 18 to 30. Regional workers are also disproportionately affected: 46% experience work-related pain regularly compared to 36% in metropolitan areas, and they are less likely to take time off (41% vs 54%). Alarmingly, 31% of those experiencing work-related pain have never sought a diagnosis or treatment, and 65% have at least one untreated condition.
The survey also highlights how quickly acute issues become chronic. Among workers with back pain, 44% said their pain lasted longer than three months, while only 21% reported their back pain had fully resolved.
ACA President Dr Billy Chow said, “The survey results show work-related pain has become an accepted part of working life for most Australians, with too many continuing to work rather than modify behaviour or seek early diagnosis and effective treatment.
“When people with a work-related injury continue working, a short-term problem can develop into a chronic condition that poses real long-term consequences for workers, their families, employers and the Australian economy,” he said.
Certain occupations are hit harder than others. While 83% of workers whose jobs involve computer or desk work have experienced work-related pain, that figure rises to 88% for those who lift and 91% for those who push and pull. Clinical healthcare workers face the highest rates, with 93% reporting work-related pain.
The productivity toll is significant too, with 55% of current workers surveyed saying they had to take time off work, which affected them, their families, and their employers. Safe Work Australia (2026) data shows musculoskeletal injuries and diseases account for the majority (53%) of serious workers’ compensation claims, and these can spiral into chronic conditions with long-term economic consequences.
“WMSDs can reduce workers’ productivity and quality of life while increasing psychological distress, bodily pain and disability, so it’s essential for employers to implement preventative measures and interventions. With over 400 serious workers’ compensation claims lodged daily, we must prioritise workplace safety controls, regular risk assessments and early intervention to help prevent the long-term impacts on health, wellbeing and productivity,” Dr Chow said.
WMSDs encompass a range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supporting blood vessels. While a single workplace event can trigger them, they most often develop from repeated harmful activities over time. According to Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health and Safety Statistics (October 2026), body stressing is the most common injury mechanism across every major occupation group, accounting for 51,800 (35.2%) serious claims, followed by falls, slips and trips (32,700 or 22.2%).
Now in its fifth year, WorkSpace Week runs during National Safe Work Month and aligns with the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023–2033. Common WMSD risks include poorly executed lifting, pushing, pulling and bending, repetitive movements, poor posture, prolonged driving and non-ergonomic computer use. Mental stress can also trigger tension and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches that undermine concentration, productivity and wellbeing.
The psychological impact is stark: 72% of pain sufferers report that work-related pain harms their mental health and wellbeing, rising to 82% among 18-to-30-year-olds. “Without early intervention, the relationship between pain and mental health can become a vicious cycle, worsening both conditions and affecting workers, their families and employers,” Dr Chow said.
“Of concern, 52% of workers surveyed said they’re too busy to take movement or stretching breaks. Only 11% are very confident they know how to reduce their risk, and among workers who are not confident, 92% have experienced work-related pain compared with 73% of those who are very confident.”
The financial stakes are enormous. New figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show health spending on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) reached $17.5 billion in 2024–25, up $1.2 billion in a year, making MSDs Australia’s third most costly disease group behind cancer ($21.7B) and cardiovascular diseases ($18.4B). Deloitte Access Economics estimates the total economic cost exceeds $55.1 billion a year.
“With serious workers’ compensation claims for traumatic joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries, and musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases increasing by 28.7% over the past eight years, prevention and early intervention provide the best protection. We’re urging employers and workers to join the WorkSpace Week movement by reviewing workplace safety controls, managing modifiable risks and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment to help prevent chronic conditions,” Dr Chow said.
Preventative measures can include improving posture, regular exercise, movement breaks, stretching and strengthening, ergonomic workstations, task-specific and equipment changes, manual handling training, and balancing work hours and workloads to minimise mental stress. Employers and workers can download free resources—including checklists, exercise posters, factsheets and podcasts—at workspaceweek.org.au to help Australians Work Well From Head to Toe.
Alice Collins
Insight Communications
aca@insightcommunications.net.au
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Why it matters: This data signals that economic pressures are not just a household budgeting issue—they are directly undermining workplace health and driving a cycle of chronic injury that costs billions annually. Without a cultural shift toward prevention and early intervention, both workers’ wellbeing and Australia’s productivity will continue to pay the price.
WorkSpace Week – Work Well From Head To Toe
