Sore shoulder? Lower back twinge? It’s easy to overlook a twinge here and there but your body is trying to tell you that things are physically amiss.

In this Article:

Tradies put their bodies under a lot of stress

Knowing the risks can help you avoid them

Don’t ignore warning signs

Being a tradie means hard physical graft. And that’s not all bad! A physical job is excellent news for long-term physical health. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day lowers your chances of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. A physically active day also helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. And having a strong, fit body is one of the best ways to keep injuries at bay.

But looking after yourself is paramount to staying in good shape. Here’s a look at the most common physical health issues that can beset the best of us.

Tradie health risk #1: Back and joint problems

Back pain is the most common injury experienced by tradies. That’s not surprising, seeing as it’s the part of the body that gets used in pretty much everything we do, from lifting stuff and reaching up, to manoeuvring into tight spaces. Heck, even just being on your feet all day puts pressure on the spine. Lower back pain specifically is the most common complaint. Other common stress areas include shoulders, necks, knees and ankles.

The older you get – and the more years you clock up on the tools – the risk of back injury and pain escalates.

Treating aches and pains as soon as they appear is paramount (see boxout).

Tradie health risk #2: Hearing loss

Almost one in five Aussie workers are exposed to noise above the recommended occupational limit, according to a study published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal. Construction workers and other tradies who are continually exposed to excessive noise levels, or those who work with loud machinery, are at highest risk of hearing impairment and even deafness.

Tradie health risk #3: Skin cancer

Plenty of jobs involve sparkies spending long periods of time in the beating sun. We all know that hats, shirts and sunscreen are a must in preventing skin cancer. If you notice a skin patch or mole getting bigger, darker, itchy or changing shape, get to a doctor pronto.

Early detection means better survival rates.

Tradie health risk #4: Obesity

Despite all that physical activity, electricians and other tradespeople are prone to weight gain as they age. Eating on the run, working long hours and spending hours behind the wheel all contribute to increased levels of obesity, which in turn increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Packing your own (healthy) food and scheduling in time for recreational exercise is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t ignore it health risk warning signs

Tradies are well known for trying to ‘tough out’ injuries. Ignore the pain and it will go away. That or it becomes unbearable to the point that you can’t work. So if you feel any soreness – whether it’s a result of on-the-job activity or something that’s happened at home – don’t ignore it.

“Always act early when it comes to lower back pain,” says Australian Physiotherapy Association Occupational Health Physiotherapist Lucia Tsui. “Tradies know they put their bodies through a lot. Don’t risk injury or acute back pain developing into a chronic condition.”

And realise that as you get older, staying fit and healthy requires even more focus.

“Our generation will likely work longer than our parents, and brains and bodies change with age,” says Lucia.

“Adjusting your tasks and modifying how you get them done is key to staying effective and safe.”

This includes things such as regularly interrupting repetitive manual handling tasks with recovery breaks, and utilising step ladders to reach high areas without stretching or twisting.

If you notice a niggling pain over time, get your GP to refer you to a physio or osteopath who will help you tackle soreness and stiffness before it gets worse.

“Preventing injuries and treating them early is key,” says Lucia, “so that small issues don’t develop into more serious conditions that may keep tradies out of action for a longer term.”

Keeping common tradie injuries at bay

• Warm up. A good warm-up before a workout increases flexibility, nourishes the muscles and reduces the risk of injury. Ditto in the workplace.
• Use the equipment. From trolleys, hook lifts and ladders to safety goggles, boots and box cutters, there’s a whole heap of stuff designed to keep you safe at work.
• Use your workmates. If you need to move things that are heavy, large or awkward, get someone else to halve the load and save your back.
• Get some rest. Being tired at work results in slower reactions and affects your ability to make good decisions. So make sure you get plenty of zzzzzs.
• Keep drinking. Physical work is thirsty work and if you’re dehydrated, your body won’t operate properly. Water, sports drinks, even tea and coffee all contribute to your RDI. Cheers!