Physiotherapists are calling on tradies to watch more than just their backs during Tradies National
Health Month this August. It comes as Australia’s tradies continue to have among the poorest health
and safety conditions of workers across all sectors.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) leads Tradies National Health Month to educate
Australian tradies to keep a check on their safety, health and wellbeing.

Tradies have among the highest serious injury and disease compensation claims in Australia,
according to Safe Work Australia data. Labourers, technicians, and machinery operators and drivers
are among the top four occupations when it comes to number of serious injury claims.

The majority of serious claims are from injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, including traumatic
joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries. While backs still present the highest proportion of body
stress injury claims, other body parts affected include upper limbs, lower legs, hips, the abdomen and
the pelvic region.

Research also shows tradespersons, labourers and workers across the agricultural and construction
industries have high risks of chronic health conditions.

APA National President Marcus Dripps says it is important to remind tradies that their health and safety
is a priority.

“This Tradies National Health Month, we want tradies to look after all aspects of their health and
wellbeing,” Mr Dripps said.

“Everyone – from tradies to their employers, unions and the communities and governments that rely on
them – has a role to play in getting our tradies to be proactive about managing and preventing health
conditions. It starts with seeking evidence-based treatments like physiotherapy.”

From musculoskeletal support, physiotherapists extend their care into chronic health impacts, like heart
disease and diabetes, and the lesser-known pelvic floor issues men face. Physiotherapists are experts
in helping to reduce the alarmingly common health and safety issues associated with working in labour
intensive industries.

The Block and Reno Rumble favourites Kyal and Kara Demmrich (‘The Super Ks’) will help lead the
campaign, using their respective backgrounds of carpenter and physiotherapist to spread the message
that health and wellbeing must be tradies’ most important tools.

Tradies National Health Month will kick off on 1 August 2016
– www.tradieshealth.com.au/