Tradies Health Month is happening this August to raise awareness of the health and injury risks affecting our hard-working Australian tradies.
This year’s theme focuses on the top reasons physiotherapists can help tradies to boost longevity so they work until they are ready to retire.
Tradies make up only 30% of the Australian workforce, yet almost 60% of tradies are involved in serious workplace injuries.
For tradies and employers, it’s important to recognise the risks associated with trade occupations to help change the behaviour and better support the health of our tradies at work.
Tips towards better health
As with many things in life, preventative treatment is as important as the solution.
With the physical nature of trade occupation jobs, tradies are extremely reliant on their bodies, this is one reason they are presented with a number of injuries.
What steps can I take to avoid back pain?
- Work smart – use good positions, good techniques and use the equipment available where possible to reduce strain on your back
- Correct back position for lifting means maintaining the natural curves of the spine, especially a small arch in the lower back, keeping a wide base of support, and keeping the load close to your body
- Ask for help with heavy lifting where required
- Engage in regular risk assessments to ensure the design of the task is as friendly to the back as possible
- Stay fit, flexible and strong enough to do your job
Steel Blue boots guides
Approved by Occupational Health National Group.
- LACING GUIDE: How to lace your boots for maximum comfort and safety
- BOOT FITTING GUIDE: How to choose new work boots to maximise comfort and fit
How physiotherapy can help
Many tradies have to complete jobs that require either repetitive bending or awkward positions, so flexibility is really important to trades people. Improving flexibility requires regular stretching. Here are some great ones to try:
- Standing hamstring stretch
- Piriformis stretch
- Pec stretch – to reduce the tightness when working on items in front of you all day
- Forearm stretch or massage – to reduce the risk of injury from gripping tools all day
Prevention
Injuries and niggles will eventually catch up on you, it’s crucial that once an injury is presented that you take a step back and don’t push through with injuries, seek advice from a physio on how best to manage your condition.
It will keep you performing for longer and you’ll thank yourself later in life.
Physiotherapists can provide programs to improve your strength and provide advice on workplace ergonomics and lifting techniques to reduce the chance of an injury occurring.
Treatment
If you are experiencing an injury such as a ligament tear our physiotherapists are highly trained to assess and diagnose your condition, then plan and administer treatment programs to restore your movement and improve your function to the highest possible level.
Tradies Health Month isn’t just about raising awareness to best manage workplace injuries, ultimately it’s around reducing the chance of sustaining an injury and keeping Australian tradies healthy and safe.