The High Risks Faced by Tradies in the Workforce

Accidents, despite our best precautions, can occur unexpectedly and have a profound impact on our ability to work and maintain financial stability.

Tradies, in particular, face a higher risk of workplace injuries, given the physical demands of their jobs and their reliance on a healthy body to perform their tasks. The repercussions of such injuries can be extensive, resulting in prolonged absences from work, costly hospitalizations, and the need for rehabilitation.

The Importance of the Tradie Workforce:

Trades have emerged as highly sought-after careers due to the growing demand for skilled manual workers specializing in specific areas. Consequently, tradies often enjoy higher salaries and wages compared to other professions. It is therefore unsurprising that when it comes to insurance claims, tradies receive the most compensation for work-related incidents resulting in injuries.

Construction Sites: A Hotspot for Injuries:

While tradies work across various industries such as mining, excavation, manufacturing, construction, and food processing, research indicates that those employed on construction sites are at a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and mishaps.

Among tradies, carpenters and joiners have the highest likelihood of experiencing serious injuries, accounting for 13% of reported cases.

They are followed closely by plumbers, electricians, plumbing and building labourers, structural construction workers, concreters, truck drivers, earthmoving plant operators, painting tradies workers, and plasterers.

Common Causes of Injuries:

Several factors contribute to tradies’ injuries and fatalities. These include:

1. Transportation incidents
2. Falls, slips, and trips
3. Injuries caused by persons or animals
4. Contact with objects and equipment
5. Exposure to harmful substances and environments
6. Fires and explosions

The High Costs of Injuries:

According to a research report by APA Tradies, the financial burden resulting from on-the-job injuries is substantial. In addition to the strain on finances, tradies reported difficulties in maintaining work relationships, fulfilling commitments, and managing personal relationships.

Shockingly, 25% of those injured at work revealed experiencing mental health issues like depression or anxiety as a consequence of their injuries.

The tradie workforce faces significant risks when it comes to workplace injuries, given the physical demands and hazardous nature of their jobs. Construction sites, in particular, pose a heightened risk.

To ensure the well-being of tradies, it is crucial to prioritize safety measures, implement comprehensive training programs, and provide adequate support for those affected by injuries. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a safer working environment for tradies and mitigate the financial and personal tolls caused by accidents.

For more information on tradie injuries, visit our informative website here.