Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common injury among Victorian construction workers, often caused by hazardous manual handling such as lifting, carrying and repetitive movement.

Since January 2023, WorkSafe accepted more than 3,000 injury claims from construction workers due to hazardous manual handline. Out of those, 58% affected the musculoskeletal system which most resulted in back pain, muscle strains, lumbago and sciatica.

WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin notified employers that they’re responsible for eliminating and reducing risks associated with hazardous manual handling.

“Tools can be replaced. Bodies can’t. Musculoskeletal disorders don’t just mean a few days off work, they can lead to chronic pain, long recoveries, reduced quality of life and mental health challenges which can all be career-ending,” he says.

“Many tradies in their early 30s have already been on the tools for over a decade, but experience doesn’t mean you can push your limits or skip safe practices,” Mr Jenkin said

Severe MSDs can heavily push construction workers out of the industry, affect how they spend time with family and take a major toll on their physical and mental health.

WorkSafe principal ergonomist Dr Tony Carden says musculoskeletal injuries could be easily prevented.

“Using mechanical aids to avoid hazardous manual handling altogether, or to at least reduce risks, is the first and best defence against musculoskeletal disorders,” he says.

“Teamwork, planning and taking regular breaks to move and reset also go a long way in keeping tradies injury-free. Working through body pain or lifting heavy loads alone to save time might feel like a win, but it can cost you months or even years off the job.”