SafeWork NSW is urging tradies and employers across the state to prioritise workplace wellbeing during National Tradie Health Month in August, with a particular focus on preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The Initiative
National Tradie Health Month is an initiative run by the Australian Physiotherapy Association to raise awareness about musculoskeletal disorders impacting Australian tradies. SafeWork NSW is supporting the campaign by encouraging workers and employers to speak up about work health and safety concerns.
The Problem
MSDs are the most common injuries and diseases sustained by carpenters, plumbers and electricians. According to SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer, more than half of serious workers compensation claims in NSW are MSDs.
These disorders can occur suddenly or develop progressively over time, significantly impacting a worker’s health and quality of life while also affecting business productivity and operational costs.
Main Causes
MSDs can be caused by physical and psychosocial hazards, which may interact with one another. Key risk factors include:
Physical hazards:
- Hazardous manual tasks (the leading cause of MSDs)
- Falls on the same level
Psychosocial hazards:
- High workload
- Bullying
- Poor supervision
Prevention Strategies
SafeWork NSW recommends employers protect workers from MSDs by:
- Conducting comprehensive risk management
- Applying good work design that eliminates or minimises risks
- Providing appropriate resources and relevant training
- Regularly assessing and updating control measures
Available Resources
SafeWork NSW has developed several resources to support MSD prevention:
- Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Plan 2024 to 2026: A comprehensive strategy developed in collaboration with key stakeholders
- Online webinar series: “Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)” available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
- Website resources: Information on managing MSD risks and legal duties for employers and workers
- Speak Up Save Lives website: Anonymous reporting system for safety concerns
Key Messages
SafeWork NSW’s message to tradies emphasizes the importance of safety communication: “If you are not sure about something, stop and check.” Workers who are concerned about raising safety issues can use the anonymous Speak Up Save Lives website.
Commissioner Schorer emphasized that while MSDs are preventable, they require collaborative effort: “Employers and employees need to work together to take responsibility for creating safer workplaces.”
Official Statement
“Workers can suffer these injuries and diseases over time or suddenly. These disorders can have significant impacts on a worker’s physical and mental health as well as the productivity and cost to businesses,” Commissioner Schorer stated.
She noted that SafeWork NSW’s online resources provide useful guidance for employers to understand MSD impacts, consider legal duties, and implement better worker protection measures.
The campaign reinforces that workplace safety is a shared responsibility requiring both employer commitment to proper systems and worker engagement in safety practices.
