August is Tradies National Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health and wellbeing of Australia’s tradespeople.
Did you know that while tradies make up just over 30% of Australia’s workforce, they account for nearly 60% of all serious workplace injuries? These injuries can lead to significant time off work, reduced income, and long-term health issues—especially if left untreated.
At SPHC, we work closely with tradies to help them recover and stay on the job. Here’s a look at some of the most common injuries we treat and practical steps to reduce your risk.
1. Tendon Injuries
Healing Timeframe: 4–6 weeks
Repetitive strain or overuse—especially when lifting or gripping with poor technique—can result in tendon injuries such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. We frequently see tradies with these conditions, often caused by sustained use of tools or awkward wrist positioning.
Treatment includes bracing, activity modification, and progressive strengthening.
Injury Prevention Tips:
- Warm up before starting work
- Maintain a neutral wrist position during tasks
- Alternate between different tasks to reduce repetitive strain
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Healing Timeframe: 6 weeks and ongoing
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, often due to repetitive motion or prolonged use of vibrating tools. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand—particularly affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
We manage this condition through wrist bracing, nerve gliding techniques, and ergonomic training.
Injury Prevention Tips:
- Limit use of vibrating tools when possible
- Switch tasks regularly throughout the day
- Incorporate daily stretches for your wrists, forearms, and neck
3. Wounds & Lacerations
Healing Timeframe: A few days to up to 12 weeks (longer if tendons are involved)
Working with sharp tools, power equipment, or heavy materials increases the risk of cuts and lacerations. These can range from minor wounds requiring basic first aid to severe injuries such as nail gun punctures or even partial amputations. In more serious cases, we may provide splinting and refer you for further care.
Injury Prevention Tips:
- Always wear protective gloves
- Ensure safety guards are in place on tools and machinery
- Cover sharp edges of building materials when storing or transporting
4. Fractures (Broken Bones)
Healing Timeframe: 3–6 weeks
Crush injuries are common on worksites, particularly to the fingers and hands. Depending on the severity, fractures may be managed with a brace or may require surgical intervention. Following immobilisation, physiotherapy is essential to regain strength, motion, and function.
Injury Prevention Tips:
- Wear appropriate hand protection
- Conduct regular safety checks on workspaces
- Be aware of pinch points when moving materials
Adding a Physio to your Toolkit!
If you’re a tradie and experiencing pain, tingling, or reduced grip strength, don’t ignore it. Early intervention with Physiotherapy, is key to preventing long-term damage and ensuring a safe return to work.
Our experienced team of Physiotherapists are here to support you with treatment and prevention tips, so you can have a long, healthy career on the tools!
Call us on 07 3869 1099 or BOOK ONLINE today!