Tradies National Health Month

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Tradies National Health Month

Tradies National Health Month

Story from Australian Physiotherapy Association


Tradies rely on their musculoskeletal health to do their jobs; and ignoring aches, pains and body stress could result in disability and debilitation in the future.

Every day 10 Australian tradies are injured at work. That’s 3560 tradies a year on workers compensation.

Nearly a quarter of all roofers, labourers and plumbers experience back pain, muscle stress and strain from lifting equipment or slips, trips, and falls when handling materials.

And prevention is better than the cure; after six months off work, 18 per cent of injured workers sought access to mental health services and after a year off work, 30 per cent of injured workers had sought treatment for mental health.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and Steel Blue have created National Tradies’ Health Month in August to educate and engage tradespeople on the importance of full body health and safety.

‘The Australian Physiotherapy Association is passionate about keeping Australian tradies pain-free, moving well and living to their full potential. Steel Blue values the work that tradies do and want to improve their awareness and support in this area,’ said Cris Massis, Chief Executive Officer of APA.

‘Too many tradies are injured on site every day, 80 per cent of injured workers in Australia are tradies and labourers. We have been working closely with the Australian Physiotherapy Association to encourage a behaviour change amongst tradies, to make them more aware about the importance of health and safety, at work and home,’ said Ross Fitzgerald, General Manager of Steel Blue.

Throughout the month Steel Blue and the APA will promote full-body health and safety information for tradies. Tradies and trade companies will be encouraged to register and be involved in this important initiative.

Our message to tradies is: Don’t ignore the pain. Seeking help now can protect your future health, wellbeing and livelihood.

There is plenty of help available, but you need new tools. Find them at the Tradies National Health Month website: www.tradieshealth.com.au.

 

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