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Focus on tradies in August

The most valuable part of a tradie’s toolkit is their health and safety and August is Tradies Health Month. Source: Timberbiz

Safe Work Australia is calling on tradies to make their health – and the health of their co-workers – a priority.

Michelle Baxter, Safe Work Australia CEO, said that while tradies make up almost one-third (31%) of Australia’s workforce, they represent over half (51%) of serious claims for workers’ compensation.

“Our research shows that the most common cause of injury involves muscular stress while lifting, carrying or putting down objects and the most common type of serious claim involves traumatic joint injuries.

“In particular, the construction industry is hazardous by nature and we work collaboratively with regulators, industry, unions and the community to identify the causes of injury and finding solutions to help tradies stay safe at work,” said Ms Baxter.

Throughout August, Safe Work Australia will shine a spotlight on tradies’ health and safety by publishing a collection of data, videos, resources and information on our website. You can access them at any time, from any smartphone or tablet device.

“We recommend having a conversation with your work health and safety regulator about how you can make your worksite a safer place to be,” said Ms Baxter.

“Ultimately, we want every tradie to go home to their family, free from harm.”