Light Manufacturing
Industry Module

The light manufacuring industry includes a wide range of hands-on, technical roles that involve making, assembling, or finishing products.

This sector covers activities such as cabinet making, furniture production, sheet metal work, and more.

19.6%

Be Aware

of work-related injuries in this industry involve young workers.

That's nearly 1 in 5.
Stay switched on.
Don't become a statistic.

Module structure

  • 7 Sections

    Each with a quiz, followed by a fun ‘Spot the Hazard’ industry simulation.

  • 21 to 25 Minutes

    Estimated learning time

100% pass required, but don’t worry, you get unlimited attempts.

Working in the light manufacturing industry can be dangerous

Each year, the light manufacturing industry accounts for a significant number of serious workplace injuries, many of which involve young or inexperienced workers.

While these jobs can be rewarding and skill-building, they come with real risks. 

Common job roles and tasks for young people in this industry involve:

  • Cabinet makers and furniture makers

    • Cutting, shaping, and assembling wood or composite materials
    • Using power saws, drills, sanders, and adhesives
    • Finishing surfaces with stains, paints, or varnishes

  • Sheet metal workers and fabricators

    • Cutting, bending, and welding metal sheets
    • Operating press brakes, guillotines, and grinders
    • Working with sharp edges and high-temperature tools

  • Textile, clothing and footwear workers

    • Sewing, stitching, and assembling garments or footwear
    • Using industrial sewing machines and cutting tools
    • Handling repetitive tasks and fine motor work

  • Plastic and rubber product workers

    • Moulding, trimming, and assembling plastic or rubber parts
    • Operating injection moulding machines
    • Managing chemical exposure and heat-based processes

  • Printing and packaging operators

    • Running printing presses and packaging lines
    • Handling inks, solvents, and moving parts
    • Monitoring quality and machine performance

Statistics

Top incidents causing injuries

These are the top 10 types of incidents causing injuries to young workers in the light manufacturing industry, based on a five-year average.

Additional risk zones 

  • Working with forklift

  • Electrical safety

  • Biological hazards

  • Contact with a chemical or hazardous substance

Source

WorkCover WA claims data (2019–20 to 2023–24p), analysed by WorkSafe WA, 2025.

Notes

  • Calculations are based on a five-year total from 2019-20 to 2023-24p.
  • Percentages are based on all incident types; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding or overlapping categories.
  • Injuries are measured by the number of LTI/Ds (lost time injuries/diseases), defined as one or more days/shifts lost.
  • The SmartMove light manufacturing industry is classified under ANZSIC 2006 into several industry groups and classes, including: 133, 134, 135, 181, 182, 183, 191, 224, 241, 242, 245, 246, 251, 259, 2391, 2392, 2394.

Build your safety smarts?

Start SmartMove to take control of your safety. Whether you're on the factory floor, in the workshop, or at the assembly bench, you'll learn how to spot hazards, manage risks, and work with confidence.

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