To any tradesman their tools of trade are their most valuable asset. Any first year apprentice is taught to look after their tools. It is one of the most valuable lessons taught from day one.
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Unfortunately, many tradies don’t have the same attitude to looking after their most valuable tool of trade –their own bodies. Hands, shoulders, backs, necks and knees are incredibly valuable tools to any tradesman and can’t be replaced by simply walking into a hardware shop.
Like any tools, if they are misused they will wear quickly.
Tradies have among the highest number of serious injury and disease compensation rates in Australia. Labourers, technicians and machinery operators are the top four trades at risk.
Thirty three per cent of these were from muscular stress when lifting or handling objects, and 22 per cent were from falls, trips and slips. The most commonly injured body part is the upper and lower back, with ankles and knees falling victim with trips and falls. Such injuries can put a tradie out of work, as modified duties are often hard to come by.
Some general tips for preventing injury include:
- Ensure that all tasks are risk assessed on a regular basis to reduce the strain.
- Check the equipment you are using is adequate, easily handled and fit for purpose,
- Use good posture and technique when handling objects (for example keep your chest up where possible).
- Keep your core strong by exercising regularly.
- Keep your flexibility by doing 5–10 minutes of stretching every morning.
Getting into good habits early and making sure that you look out for not only yourself, but also your workmates, will help everyone to be more productive at work, experience less pain and injury, and most importantly, help you to enjoy your life outside of work.
It is for these reasons that August is National Tradies Health Month. We need more awareness and prevention strategies put in place to ensure no tradie goes without work.
