Tradies reminded most valuable asset isn’t in the toolbox

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common injury among workers in Victoria’s construction industry, often caused by hazardous manual handling like lifting, carrying and repetitive movement.

Since January 2023, WorkSafe has accepted more than 3,000 injury claims from construction workers due to hazardous manual handling. Of these, more than 58 per cent affected the musculoskeletal system – most commonly resulting in back pain, muscle strains, lumbago and sciatica.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin reminded employers that they were responsible for eliminating or reducing risks associated with hazardous manual handling.

“Tools can be replaced. Bodies can’t,” Mr Jenkin said. “Musculoskeletal disorders don’t just mean a few days off work – they can lead to chronic pain, long recoveries, reduced quality of life and mental health challenges – which can all be career-ending.”

“As an employer, it’s your job to protect workers from these devastating consequences.”

Carpenters, plumbers and electricians accounted for the most MSD claims while men aged 30-34 were the most affected age group.

“Many tradies in their early 30s have already been on the tools for over a decade, but experience doesn’t mean you can push your limits or skip safe practices,” Mr Jenkin said.

WorkSafe Principal Ergonomist Dr Tony Carden said musculoskeletal injuries could easily be prevented with the right actions.

“Using mechanical aids to avoid hazardous manual handling altogether, or to at least reduce risks, is the first and best defence against musculoskeletal disorders,” Dr Carden said. “Teamwork, planning and taking regular breaks to move and reset also go a long way in keeping tradies injury-free.”

“Working through body pain or lifting heavy loads alone to save time might feel like a win – but it can cost you months or even years off the job.”

Severe MSDs can push construction workers out of the industry, affect how they spend time with family, and take a significant toll on both their physical and mental health.

WorkSafe offers free resources to help tradies identify the risks and reduce hazardous manual handling so they can stay safe, stay strong and stay working. 

Tips to prevent MSDs from hazardous manual handling on construction sites:

• Organise off-site manufacturing of wall panels and roof trusses.
• Arrange for bulky materials to be delivered to the final work location.
• Use mechanical load shifting devices such as cranes, forklifts, trolleys or other aids to move heavy or awkward materials around the site.
• Ensure awkward loads that can be moved manually have lifting points or handles.
• Use job rotation to reduce exposure to repetitive tasks or work that requires a significant amount of force.