As National Reconciliation Week 2022 called on Australians to “Be Brave. Make Change,” the focus on addressing disparities in Indigenous health, particularly in occupational settings, became a crucial topic of discussion.
At Phoenix Occupational Medicine, we recognise the importance of fostering culturally appropriate healthcare and promoting equity in the workplace for Indigenous Australians. We spoke with Dr Brett Shannon, an Indigenous medical professional, about his research and his vision for improving Indigenous occupational health.
“As an Indigenous medical professional, I believe we need to show leadership by continuing to promote all dimensions of Indigenous health, including the healing strengths of connecting with family, country, and culture, and ensuring culturally appropriate healthcare is delivered across all levels of the health system,” Dr Shannon shared.
The Missing Data: Indigenous Occupational Health
While significant strides have been made in recognising the health disparities faced by Indigenous populations, a glaring gap persists in occupational health research. Dr Shannon’s recent presentation at the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (ANZSOM) annual scientific meeting highlighted this issue.
Despite the known disparities in non-occupational injuries and adverse employment conditions, there is limited research on the occupational injuries and illnesses affecting Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
In contrast, countries like New Zealand and Canada utilise Indigenous identifiers in Workers’ Compensation data to monitor occupational health outcomes. This unique surveillance system captures vital information, including:
- Rates of occupational injuries and illnesses
- Return-to-work outcomes
- Long-term impairment consequences
Dr Shannon noted, “Given our emerging understanding of injury and illness exposures and their role in excess morbidity and mortality in Australia, it is clearly a high priority area for evidence-based policy development and implementation.”
The Sobering Statistics
General injury surveillance data sheds light on the significant challenges faced by Indigenous Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework, Indigenous Australians experience:
- Transport-related deaths: 2.4 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians
- Accidental poisoning deaths: 2.6 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians
- Deaths from assault: 6.3 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians
However, when it comes to workplace injuries and illnesses, there is no specific data for Indigenous Australians—because it has not yet been collected.
Why Data Collection Matters
To address these disparities, robust and targeted data collection is essential. Dr Shannon advocates for a comprehensive approach to data collection, which includes:
- Workplace injuries: Capturing causes and effects specific to Indigenous populations.
- Priority populations: Identifying high-risk groups within the Indigenous workforce.
- Exposure to hazards: Monitoring the impact of chemical, biological, and physical agents in workplace injuries.
This data must also consider socio-economic, workplace, and environmental factors, as well as multifactorial decision-making processes.
Charting the Path Forward
Dr Shannon’s work is focused on developing an agenda that prioritises Indigenous occupational health and safety. This involves collaboration with stakeholders to drive research, inform policy, and implement evidence-based practices.
Key areas of focus include:
- Surveillance systems: Establishing mechanisms to collect and analyse Indigenous occupational health data.
- Policy development: Using data insights to create policies that address disparities and promote equity in workplace health and safety.
- Workplace engagement: Ensuring that workplaces are equipped to meet the culturally specific needs of Indigenous employees.
Dr Shannon’s commitment to this cause reflects the broader call for reconciliation—acknowledging the past while taking actionable steps toward a fairer, more inclusive future.
Final Thoughts: Building a Safer, More Inclusive Future
As National Reconciliation Week reminds us, change begins with brave actions. Addressing the gaps in Indigenous occupational health data and fostering culturally sensitive practices in the workplace are crucial steps toward equality and reconciliation.
At Phoenix Occupational Medicine, we support initiatives that prioritise Indigenous health and well-being in occupational settings. We look forward to supporting Dr Shannon’s ongoing research and the impact it will have on shaping workplace health and safety policies for Indigenous Australians.
References:
1. https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/measures/1-03-injury-poisoning#keyfacts
