The number of people experiencing a work-related injury or illness has declined, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In the 2010 financial year 640,700 people (5.3% of the 12 million people employed at some time in the last 12 months) experienced work-related injuries, compared with 690,000 (6.4%) in the 12 months ending June 30, 2006.

Men are still more likely to experience a work-related injury, the ABS figures show.

There were 55 injuries per 1000 men injured in the last financial year compared to 74 per 1000 in 2006.

The rate for women is 51 per 1000, which is the same as the 2006 figures.

The highest rates of work-related injuries were experienced in the 45-49 year age group  (74 per 1000 men and 70 per 1000 women).

But the decrease in work-related injuries was highest for young men.

The most commonly reported injuries were sprains and strains (30%), followed by chronic joint or muscle conditions (18%) and cuts or open wounds (16%).

About half of the injuries were sustained mostly by lifting, pushing or pulling objects (27%) or by hitting or being hit or cut by an object (25%).