WorkSafe Victoria is urging tradies to prioritise their health during Tradies National Health Month, with a clear message: “Your most important tool isn’t in the toolbox – it’s your body.”
Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in the Victorian construction industry, often caused by hazardous manual handling like lifting, carrying, repetitive motion, and awkward postures.
Since January 2023, WorkSafe has accepted over 3,000 injury claims from construction workers for manual handling-related injuries. More than 58% of these affected the musculoskeletal system, including:
“Tools can be replaced. Bodies can’t... MSDs can lead to chronic pain, long recoveries, reduced quality of life, and even mental health issues.” — Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe Chief Health & Safety Officer
“Experience doesn’t mean you can push your limits or skip safe practices,” Jenkin added.
WorkSafe Principal Ergonomist Dr Tony Carden stressed that most of these injuries are entirely preventable with planning, teamwork, and mechanical assistance.
Working through pain might save minutes today, but it could cost you months off the job.
If your worksite involves hazardous manual tasks, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is essential. It identifies risks, control measures, and helps ensure legal compliance.
💡 Use SWMS Generator to build site-specific documentation for manual handling and other high-risk tasks—fast and compliant.
Protect your most valuable tool. Stay safe, stay strong, and stay working.