Injuries in Victorian workplaces fell to a record low of 7.32 claims per million hours worked in the six months to last December, but there is scope for more improvement, according to WorkSafe Victoria.

The figure compares with 7.37 claims per million hours in the half-year to last June 30.

“Generally, workers in Victoria are safer than they have ever been, but still too many have been killed or seriously injured,” Finance Minister Robin Scott said. 

“And when it comes to support for those injured workers who have been unable to return to work, we must do more to get them back to work.”

WorkSafe Victoria posted a net result of $104 million for the half-year to last December, with $94 million from insurance operations.

“The financial results have been influenced by strong markets, prevailing economic conditions and a higher-than-forecast increase in liabilities,” Acting CEO Clare Amies said.

“Our ability to provide quality workplace injury insurance protection for Victorian employers and workers relies on maintaining a scheme with an efficient cost structure and a healthy balance sheet.”