Tradie Matters: Why Your Industry Should Take Part in Tradie National Health Month

Did you know, that 10 tradies are injured at work in Australia every day? According to Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health & Safety Report 2014, one in five of all serious workplace injuries involves a tradie.

Musculoskeletal conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and severe back pain are very high amongst tradies (Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2014) as well as other health and safety risks. Safe Work Australia (2011) conveys that between 2007-08 and 2011-12, body stressing embodied 41% of workplace injuries claims. A number of these claims were due to muscular stress while lifting, carrying, or putting down crates, boxes, barrels and other containers, as well as handling metal products.

Sun related injuries is also quite common amongst outdoor tradies and in particular, sustain a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Outdoor workers are at an above average risk of skin cancer due to high levels of direct sunlight exposure over long periods of time and they generally receive 5 to 10 times more UVR exposure per year than indoor workers (Safe Work Australia, 2010). During 2000-2009, 1360 workers’ compensation claims and $38.4 Million in payouts were made related to sun related injuries at work (Cancer Council Australia, 2011).

Mental health issues and stress is another concern for those occupying the tradie industry. The APA conducted focus groups with male tradies ages 25 – 35 in 2014 and found that mental health issues encompass 4% of the total number of cases and contribute to 9% of the total economic cost (Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2014). Across all industries in Australia, poor mental health at work costs the economy $12billion a year, including $200 million worth of worker’s compensation claims (Black Dog Institute, 2014).

So it is clear to say that those who work in trade occupations and their loved ones surrounding them are in need of our support. Tradies National Health Month in August is an excellent opportunity for tradie employers to raise awareness about the importance of health and safety at work and to promote preventative health initiatives within their workplace. Whether you are working in the construction, mining or manufacturing industry, early injury intervention and treatment is key.

For more information on health care programs in your trade industry visit our Corporate Health information page.