In recognition of Tradies National Health Month, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has urged tradies to seek out the care they need to prevent injuries and to treat chronic pain.
Evidence shows that many of Australia’s existing tradies live in chronic pain, negatively impacting their quality of life, job performance and work longevity, potentially exacerbating Australia’s housing and staff shortages.
Jarryd Croxford, a physiotherapist working in occupational health settings with tradies, said that the impact of chronic pain and injury on Australia’s tradies is often underestimated, and, if not addressed, could result in broader economic and societal consequences for Australia.
‘Every day at job sites across Australia, tradies struggle to deal with chronic pain and new or recurring injuries. They’re worried about their ability to perform on the job, their longevity in the workforce, and, most importantly, what these injuries and pain might mean for their personal well-being,’ Croxford said.
A 2024 survey by the APA found that nine in 10 tradies experienced a work-related injury in the past year, with knee, back, and shoulder pain being the most common.
Nearly two in three tradies also reported being worried about the long-term impacts of their physical injuries and ailments.
‘With demand for skilled tradespeople at an all-time high, the physical and mental health of tradies is more important than ever,” Croxford said.
“Untreated physical pain can significantly impact a person’s mental health and often leads to maladaptive coping strategies.
‘Tradies working in regional and rural areas are at especially high risk, as they face reduced access to the care they need to keep them healthy and at work.”
Croxford said tradies are the backbone of Australia, and if those suffering from injuries need to leave the workforce, there are flow-on effects.
“Fewer tradies mean fewer new houses, declining infrastructure, and many of our industries grinding to a halt, all of which are already struggling in the current economic climate,’ Croxford said.
‘We know that the hard, physical labour on the job means tradies are always going to be disproportionately affected by workplace injuries and chronic conditions, but more can and should be done to support tradies’ health and well-being.
“Tradies commonly present to physiotherapists with low back pain and neck and shoulder pain. Repetitive bending and heavy lifting in cases where a wheelbarrow or the like should be used, are often the culprit of many of the injuries.”
Croxford said many tradies assume a few aches and pains are part and parcel of their demanding physical work, but seeking regular preventive health checks can reduce common musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle/tendon injuries and back pain.
“We have found that most of our tradies take really good care of their tools but de-emphasise the health and wellbeing of their body,’ he said.
This August, the Tradies National Health Month campaign presents the perfect opportunity to start the conversation with tradespeople in local communities about the importance of injury prevention, injury management and preventative health management in lockstep with their physiotherapist.