Prevent the injury before it happens

From back pain to burnout, we’re here to help you support physical and mental health on site.

August is Tradies National Health Month

An initiative run by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) to raise awareness about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impacting Australian tradies in the construction industry.

Hazardous manual handling is the number one cause of MSDs

1 in 3

serious injuries to Victorian tradies caused by MSDs.

3,000

In the past 2 years alone, there were almost 3,000 injury claims relating to hazardous manual handling.

58%

of these injuries affected the musculoskeletal system, with the most common being:

  • back pain
  • muscle strains
  • lumbago and sciatica.

MSDs can range in severity from a temporary strain, right up to debilitating injuries. They can impair someone’s physical and mental health and their quality of life long-term.

The good news is they're preventable with the right information and action. We offer free safety resources designed for trade-based workplaces. Use them to raise awareness, support safe practices and protect your team.

Top trades hit the hardest

  • Carpenters
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians

Most affected age group

30-34 year olds.

Highest number of claims

Tradies working in small businesses.

APHIRM Toolkit

The APHIRM Toolkit is a free resource that helps employers identify and manage the risks of MSDs at work. It looks at both physical and psychological hazards and helps you build a step-by-step action plan to reduce injury risks and support worker wellbeing.

APHIRM Toolkit

WorkWell Toolkit

The WorkWell Toolkit can help construction employers to create a safer, healthier job site by preventing mental injuries. Developed by OHS and mental health experts, it includes tools, templates and a new survey that shows exactly where to focus your efforts, so you can make real improvements that support your team and your business.

WorkWell Toolkit

OHS Essentials program

The OHS Essentials program gives small to medium sized construction businesses (with less than 60 workers) free, confidential advice to improve safety on site. An independent consultant comes to you, helps spot hazards, and creates a practical safety plan tailored to your business.

OHS Essentials program

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Construction: Safer manual handling posters

Posters for your workplace to remind employees that lifting, carrying or putting down objects in the wrong way can cause injury.

Download posters

Protect your workers and create a safer workplace

Over 14,000 tradies are already on board. Are you?

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