The health and safety of Australian tradesmen and labourers will be in the spotlight in August as Steel Blue and the Australian Physiotherapy Association use Tradies National Health Month to provide tradies with the right tools to help them move well, stay well and assist in reducing the risk and severity of injuries.
Safe Work Australia recently reported $8.7 billion in compensation costs for trips, slips and falls relating to 26,705 claims, with research showing that 80 percent of injured workers in Australia are tradesmen and labourers.
Among the many alarming facts on the campaign’s website are:
- Every day 10 tradies are badly injured at work
- 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.
- 94 percent of tradies reported that they don’t eat enough fruit and/or vegetables.
- After six months off work, 18% of injured workers sought access to mental health services and after a year off work, 30 percent of injured workers had sought treatment for mental health.
During Tradies National Health Month there will be events at worksites around Australia. All tradies are encouraged to register their support online and will enter a $4,000 prize draw to win ‘the ultimate outdoor adventure’ and choose from a surfing, camping or fishing trip.