What workplace risks do tradies face?
August marks Tradies National Health Month, which raises awareness of the workplace health and safety risks facing tradespeople.
Through its recent survey, the Australian Physiotherapy Association found that over 90% of tradies experienced work-related injuries or pain in the past year, impacting their quality of life.
“Tradespeople face significant workplace hazards, ranging from silica dust exposure to working at heights, operating forklifts and an assortment of psychosocial factors,” said Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Manager, Workplace Health & Safety Show.
“The introduction of new regulations, such as the NSW Manslaughter Bill, leave[s] no room for complacency or poor OHS management of these risks. It’s essential that employers and tradespeople stay up to date on best practices and implement the necessary safety programs to safeguard the wellbeing of tradespeople.”
Some of the risks faced by tradies include:
- Falls from height: This is the leading cause of injury hospitalisation and death in Australia, responsible for 43% of injury hospitalisations and 42% of injury deaths, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
- Crystalline silica dust exposure: The Lung Foundation of Australia’s NSPS Scientific and Evidence Report on Silicosis in Australia revealed that 41% of the silicosis compensation claims recorded by Safe Work Australia between 2000 and 2019 were in the construction industry.
- Mental health concerns: The Black Dog Institute’s survey of construction workers found that one in four workers has symptoms of depression or anxiety, thanks to the high demands of the job.
- Forklift-related injuries: SafeWork NSW recorded 1538 forklift-related incidents between 2017 and 2022 (approximately 307 incidents annually). WorkSafe Victoria data, meanwhile, reveals that more than one worker is seriously injured in forklift-related incidents every week.
Addressing key risks and concerns
The Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney offers a dedicated Construction Health & Safety Summit, where experts will address some of the most pressing safety and wellbeing risks facing Australian tradespeople.
The Construction Health & Safety Summit seminar sessions will include:
- Breathe Freely: Practical strategies for silica safety in the workplace
- Constructive Conversations: Navigating mental health in the construction industry
- Managing injuries and falls in construction
For more details about the show and to register for free, visit whsshow.com.au/sydney.
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