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Tradies Health Month - August 2016

Luke Anthony

This Article Has Been Prepared By The Australian Physiotherapy Association

 

About The Tradies National Health Month 'Snapshot'

Marcus Dripps, APA National President

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has compiled the following health snapshot to highlight the need to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of tradies* in Australia.

This snapshot gathers research and insights to highlight the extent of the issue and solutions to create change.  While musculoskeletal injuries like back and neck injuries remain among the top health issues facing tradies, other chronic health conditions and disability post risks to this demographic.

Beyond the quality of life impacts these health issues have on the individual and their families, there are significant impacts to business, the health system and the economy.  These impacts will grow if we don't improve information and access for tradies to evidence-based care like physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists play a critical role in providing early healthcare intervention support - by diagnosing, treating and preventing disease and disability through physical means.  Working in partnership with their patients, physiotherapists can help them recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, increase mobility, and prevent injury.

The APA is proud to lead Tradies National Health Month each year to champion awareness and create tools to enable tradies to take control of their health and stay well.

Tradies' health must be everyone's priority.  As the national member association of physiotherapists, we believe all Australians should have access to quality physiotherapy, when and where required, to optimise health and wellbeing.

 

Tradies Have A High Risk Of Serious Injury

Rates of serious claims by occupation (2012-13)
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 the number of serious injury claims.

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The Primary Causes Of Serious Claims

Of all occupations

 

33% Were From Muscular Stress While Lifing Or Handling Objects

 

 

22% WERE FROM FALLS, TRIPS AND SLIPS

Watch More Than Just Your Back

The majority of serious claims are from injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, including traumatic joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries.

What Is The Issue?

 

  • While musculoskeletal disorders remain high, the number of serious claims fell by 7% between 2000-01 and 2011-12
  • However, claims arising from diseases increased by 4% between 2000-01 and 2011-12.

Watch More Than Just Your Back

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What Body Parts Are Affected?

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.

Falls, trips and slips of a person: serious claims by body part among all occupations

  • The back (upper or lower) had the highest claims, yet this fell by 21% between 2000-01 and 2011-12
  • The only major physical location group to show an increase in serious claims between 2000-01 and 2011-12 was lower limbs, which was largely driven by a 21% increase in the number of lower leg-related serious claims and a 17% increase in hip-related claims.
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Older Tradies Could Have Higher Health Risks

Serious claims are increasing among those aged 55+

  • Older employees in all occupations had higher frequency rates of serious claims than younger employees over a 12-year period (2000-01 and 2012-13).
  • The proportion of all serious claims awarded to employees aged 55 and above rose from (% in 2000-01to 18% in 2011-12.
  • This has exceeded the proportion of all serious claims awarded to employees aged 15-24 years since 2007-08
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What Is The Cost?

The total estimated cost of work-related injuries and diseases is rising.

  • In 2008-09 the total estimated cost of work-related injuries and diseases was $60.6 billion among all occupations
  • Between 2000-01 and 2011-12, the median time lost from work for a serious claim rose by 29% from 4.2 working weeks to 5.4 working weeks
  • Over the same period, the median compensation paid rose by 71% from $5200 to $8900.
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What Can We Do To Prevent The Issue?

It is vital tradies become more aware and active in improving their health and safety.  Early injury intervention and treatment through evidence-based care, including physiotherapy, must be part of the solution to prolong working careers, reduce time away from work and improve general wellbeing.

Employers, peak bodies and government need to acknowledge the significant role they play in ensuring their workers are fit-for-work and offer appropriate support when it comes to preventative health measures.

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Partner With Physiotherapy For Workplace Change

Visit tradieshealth.com.au to find out how you can get involved.

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