The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has released the results of a survey in time for August’s Tradies National Health Month, established by them in 2012.
The APA surveyed over 500 trades people across Australia. Those surveyed were in both metropolitan and regional areas and across age groups, the majority being between 25 and 44 years old. Of the sample, one quarter were female.
The survey revealed the following challenges faced by tradies in the past year:
- More than nine in ten (92%0 have experienced work-related injuries or pain, with 90% of these injuries caused or worsened by work.
- On average, those responding to the survey had had three different kinds of injuries or issues in that time, with knee and back pain being the most common.
- Over three quarters reported pain significantly impacts their quality of life.
- Almost half described their pain as severe, with some suffering for months or even years.
- 87% medicate or self-medicate to manage their pain, with almost a third resorting to drugs or alcohol.
- One in four said they feared they will need to retire early due to stress on their bodies.
More information: the APA Tradies National Health Month website and survey.