The most valuable part of a tradie’s toolkit is their health and safety.

August is Tradies Health Month, and Safe Work Australia are calling on tradies to make their health – and the health of their co-workers – a priority.

Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter said while tradies make up almost one-third (30%) of Australia’s workforce, they represent over half (58%) of serious claims for workers’ compensation*.

“Our research shows that the most common cause of injury involves muscular stress while lifting, carrying or putting down objects and the most common type of serious claim involves traumatic joint injuries.

“In particular, the construction industry is hazardous by nature and we work collaboratively with regulators, industry, unions and the community to identify the causes of injury and finding solutions to help tradies stay safe at work,” said Ms Baxter.

Throughout August, Safe Work Australia will shine a spotlight on tradies’ health and safety by publishing a collection of data, videos, resources and information on their website. To mark the start of Tradies Health Month, Safe Work Australia have released a new infographic featured below with data and statistics on serious claims made by tradies. 

“We recommend having a conversation with your work health and safety regulator about how you can make your work site a safer place to be,” said Ms Baxter.

“Ultimately, we want every tradie to go home to their family, free from harm.

Source: Safe Work Australia, 1 August 2017