A tradies most important tool is their health

As a tradie, your most important tool is your health, but unfortunately, it’s something that many neglect.

Being in such a physically demanding industry the risk of injury is much higher than the general population.

Almost 60 per cent of serious workplace injuries involve a tradie, despite them making up only 30 per cent of the workforce.

If that’s not startling enough, the average time off work due to a serious workplace injury is between 5-6 weeks, time that most people can’t afford off.

It was Tradies National Health Month recently, a great initiative brought in to encourage tradies to prioritise their health and hopefully change some of these statistics.

This initiative focuses on improving workplace culture and ensuring safe work practices are implemented.

So what easy steps can you take to look after your body better?

Warm up at the start of the day with a few simple stretches in order to avoid stiffening up throughout the day.

Keep your water intake up, especially throughout the warmer months, to allow for better muscle recovery and improve energy levels.

Get advice on correct lifting technique, to reduce stress to injury prone areas such as your low back and shoulders.

Be willing to say “no” if you’re asked to do something that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Employers are legally responsible for safe worksites and conditions.

Don’t put up with aches and pains, visit your local osteopath or other health professional today for advice so those aches don’t lead to more serious injuries.

The most common injury that tradies will experience is back pain, which is something I see a lot of here at The Health Creation Centre.

Back pain can be extremely debilitating and frustrating, not only affecting your ability to work but also negatively impacting your mental health and life outside of work.

The main factors that will increase your risk of experiencing back pain are lifting heavy loads at work and repetitive lifting, while factors like obesity, smoking and mental stress also play a role.

So don’t let yourself become another statistic, do something about your health today!

Dr Aidan Mill is an osteopath at The Health Creation Centre in Ocean Grove.