ADR Wealth | Superannuation | Age Pension | Investment | BrisbaneADR Wealth | Superannuation | Age Pension | Investment | Brisbane
Wealth Strategies Specialist
  • Home
  • About
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Earn Money
    • Paying Off Debt
    • Insurance
    • Kids & Money
    • Nearing Retirement
  • Advice Process
  • Blog
  • Get in touch
  • Portal Login

Follow Us

E: d.rylah@adrwealth.com.au | Portal Login
The four main risks facing tradies
July 12 2019

The four main risks facing tradies

admin Financial Planning, Insurance Risk Management, Tradies

Tradies are made of pretty tough stuff, but like the rest of us, they’re only human. Here we pinpoint the main risks they face and how they could protect themselves. 

While tradies make up less than one-third (30%) of Australia’s workforce, they represent over half (58%) of serious claims for workers’ compensation, according to Safe Work Australia.i 

Almost one sixth of those injuries (15%) involve musculoskeletal disorders, which can result from incorrectly lifting, carrying or putting down objects. The most common type of serious claim involves traumatic joint injuries. 

But forewarned is forearmed. 

Below we look at the most common types of serious claims for workers compensation made by tradies, according to Safe Work Australia, as well as important risk mitigation strategies you can implement to avoid them.

1. Traumatic joint injuries

Traumatic joint injuries make up almost half of claims made by tradies, coming in at 44%.They include injuries to muscles, ligaments such as your Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), and tendons such as your Achilles.i 

Risk prevention strategies include using proper lifting techniques, wearing appropriate footwear with good soles, and ensuring the areas that you’re working in don’t have trip or slip hazards.

2. Wounds and lacerations

Wounds and lacerations, which make up 18% of claims, include cuts to limbs, torso, head and other body parts. According to Safe Work Australia, the category also includes amputations and internal organ damage. 

Risk mitigation strategies include wearing suitable protective clothing, taking appropriate safety measures when holding sharp blades, and not operating machinery in a fatigued or debilitated state.

3. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

MSDs, which make up 15% of claims, are injuries and/or disorders that have an adverse effect on the body’s movement or musculoskeletal system, and can occur both suddenly or wear away at a person over time.i 

MSDs may include conditions such as sprains and strains, back injuries, joint and bone degeneration, nerve injuries or compression (eg. carpal tunnel syndrome), muscular and vascular disorders as a result of hand-arm vibration, soft tissue hernias, and chronic pain, according to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.ii 

One of the best strategies that tradies could put in place to reduce their chances of MSD include using proper lifting techniques and not trying to lift too much, as outlined by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

4. Fractures

A fracture is a break or a crack in a bone, and the injury accounts for one in ten claims. 

A fracture occurs when force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone can structurally withstand. Common fracture areas include the wrist, ankle and hip, according to Victoria’s Department of Health.iii 

Risk mitigation strategies include wearing appropriate safety gear, using proper technique when lifting and putting down heavy objects, being careful when using blunt force tools and when around heights and machinery.

Going the extra mile!

Of course, it’s one thing to have a Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) plan in place, but it’s entirely another to actually make sure you and your place of employment are adhering to it. 

State-specific WH&S plans can be found at the Safe Work Australia website, all of which have plenty of information to guide you in establishing a safe workplace.iv 

Keep in mind, however, that no matter how safe your workplace appears to be, accidents can always happen. After all, 190 serious claims are made by tradies each day across Australia, according to Safe Work Australia. 

That’s why it’s important to consider all your options and make sure you’ve got appropriate insurance in place. 


i https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/infographic-serious-claims-tradies 

ii https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/hazardous-manual-tasks/musculoskeletal-disorders-faqs 

iii https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bone-fractures 

iv https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/

Forward this article to a friend
The ultimate guide to keeping your kids entertained this winter Enjoy a credit card holiday

Related Posts

Love and money – achieving financial harmony 

Budgeting, Financial Planning, Lifestyle, Money Management

Love and money – achieving financial harmony 

How much do I need to start investing?

Financial Planning, Investment, Saving

How much do I need to start investing?

Give your finances a shake out 

Budgeting, Financial Planning, Money Management, Saving, Spending

Give your finances a shake out 

Search

Recent Posts

  • Love and money – achieving financial harmony 
  • How much do I need to start investing?
  • Give your finances a shake out 
  • Budgeting for baby: What you need to know 
  • Australian housing finance is booming – but can it continue? 

Categories

  • Budgeting
  • Debt
  • Financial Planning
  • Insurance
  • Investment
  • Lifestyle
  • Money Management
  • Saving
  • Spending
  • Superannuation
  • Tax
  • Uncategorized

ADR Edge

Sign up to our Newsletter

* indicates required

Norwest Central
Suite 610/12 Century Circuit
Norwest NSW 2153

M: 0428 092 928
E: d.rylah@adrwealth.com.au

Our Services

  • Earn Money
  • Paying Off Debt
  • Nearing Retirement
  • Insurance
  • Kids & Money
© ADR Wealth 2019 | Privacy Policy
AD Rylah Trading Pty Ltd t/as ADR Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Synchron, AFS Licence No. 243313

The information posted is intended to be general in nature and is not personal financial product advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. In particular, you should seek financial advice and read the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or other offer document prior to making a decision.