Tradies National Health Month: Prioritising Health and Safety for Australian Tradies
August is Tradies National Health Month (TNHM), an initiative run by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). This annual event, held every August, encourages the consideration of the well-being of the hardworking men and women who build and maintain our nation. At SiteTech, we're committed to empowering tradies' health with top-tier, innovative site solutions and the knowledge and tools to stay healthy and safe on the job.
What is Tradies National Health Month?
TNHM was established in 2012 as a month dedicated to promoting preventative measures, encouraging early intervention, and fostering a culture of well-being within the trades industry.
Why TNHM Matters
Tradies are the backbone of Australia’s economy, working in various sectors such as construction, plumbing, and electrical services. However, the physical demands of these jobs can take a toll on their health. From muscle strains to serious injuries, tradies face numerous risks daily.
According to SafeWork statistics, the construction industry has the third-highest number of industry-related claims across all sectors in Australia, totalling 58% of serious claims.
SafeWork reported that two major types of injuries commonly occur are, body stressing (repetitive manual handling and strenuous work) and falls from heights. The physical demands of trade work can take a toll. Back pain, joint issues, and injuries are unfortunately common. Additionally, the high-pressure nature of the job can contribute to mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and depression. A healthy tradie is productive, and TNHM is a reminder to prioritise self-care.
Common Health Challenges Faced by Tradies
You probably have heard about the 'fatal five'. Many tradies' safety depends on avoiding the five types of deadly accidents listed by the Australian construction industry. These are,
- Falling from heights
- Vehicular incidents
- Electrocution
- Getting hit by moving objects
- Getting hit by falling objects
Among these fatalities, Body stress accounted for 34% and falling from heights accounted for 28% of overall injuries.
The physical strain on a tradie's body is immense, from heavy lifting to repetitive motions. These factors contribute to a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries. It is important to be aware of safety tips for tradies related to proper lifting techniques, the importance of stretching, and when to seek professional help for pain or discomfort.
Mental Health Concerns
Let's remember that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Among the construction workers, 81.5% are men, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. There is a particular thought process behind men reaching out for help about their mental health concerns, such as fear of being judged or seen as weak.
Long hours, demanding deadlines, and financial pressures can all impact a tradesperson's mental health and well-being. Blue-collar careers have the highest suicide rate among men in Australia.
If you're struggling, reach out to a mate, a family member, or a mental health professional. There's no shame in asking for help.
Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace
Every workplace has a role to play in keeping tradies safe.
Start by incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine. Warm up and stretch before work, take regular breaks, stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and prioritise sleep. Remember, your body needs fuel and rest to perform at its best.
Don't neglect your mental health! Practice mindfulness, connect with loved ones, and seek help when needed. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
Regular check-ups with your doctor and specialists are essential for catching potential issues early. Remember, prevention is key!
SiteTech Solutions: Supporting Tradies' Health and Safety
This Tradies National Health Month, we urge you to prioritise your health.
At SiteTech Safety, we offer innovative products designed to minimise risk and maximise protection. Two of the major causes of injury/death at height are :
- Falling from height from an edge
- Falling from height through a skylight
Both of these are preventable, and a properly completed safe work method statement (SWMS) should identify the risk and establish suitable protection measures. SieTech has identified that installation time is one reason why fall protection has not been used on building sites.
Both the E-Bracket Edge Protection System and the Pro-Vis Safety Mesh are specifically designed for maximum protection and speed of installation. The EBracket is a highly adaptive patented Edge Protection System, while the Pro-Vis is the only engineered certified system to prevent falls from heights.
At SiteTech Hire, we have introduced the SiteTech Sync Alert system. This system allows immediate reporting of any safety issues directed to the SiteTech rapid response team. Simply scan the QR code on the temporary fence panel, enter details of the OH&S concerns, and upload the images.
Finally, we advise you to utilise available resources from government sources or your preferred suppliers. Be aware of the industry's safety tips and practices. Prioritise regular check-ups and invest in quality safety gear. Let's build a healthier, safer future for all Australian tradies. Call SiteTech at 1800 748 383 to learn more about innovative safety systems.