Keep Our Tradies Moving

Being a tradie is hard work and they make up a large portion of the demographic in our chiropractic clinics. The physically demanding job, long hours, and prolonged strain on the body all add up. In fact, tradespeople account for the highest percentage of serious musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) claims and also have the highest frequency rate, which was three times higher than the rate of all employees (1).
 
Most MSD claims are due to applying too much stress on the body which can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones. These injuries are most often related to lifting, carrying, putting down, or handling objects (1).
 
As the daily routine of tradies and labourers requires a lot of lifting, bending and twisting, they rely heavily on their musculoskeletal health for their livelihood. Ignoring aches, pains and body stress could result in reduced quality of life and early retirement, so it is especially important to be proactive about preventing and addressing health issues.
 
If you are a tradie or know someone in the industry, check out these tips to keep the spine happy and decrease the likelihood of injuries.
 
Stretch & Warm-up
 
In order to get limber, loosen up muscles and prepare your body for the physical activity ahead, it is important to stretch before and after work. Your back may be at risk of sustaining injuries when your body is not warmed up properly. Take a few minutes to warm up and do some stretches to increase flexibility, circulation, and range of motion prior to commencing work.
 
Lift Correctly
 
Lifting requires energy and muscle effort, and done incorrectly, it can stress muscles, tendons and ligaments and increase forces on your spine.
 
Taking a moment to assess if there is an easier way to lift heavy objects (for example, by using assistance tools such as a crane, forklift or wheelbarrow) and removing any hazards from the area may help to avoid injury.
 
Using the correct lifting technique may help mitigate some of the associated risk. With your feet in a stable position, bend at the knees and lift using your hips and knees, not your back. Minimise the distance between your body and the item you are lifting. This approach can help you move heavy objects easily while reducing the load on the body.
 
Posture
 
Being mindful of your posture, whether you are working or relaxing, is very important. Staying in an awkward position for long periods and having poor posture can put strain on the spine. Be aware of your posture and correct it if you find yourself hunching or slouching.
 
 
Exercise
 
As tradies are constantly putting strain on the same areas of their body, it is important to work towards a healthy and strong body which is better equipped to withstand the gruelling work.
 
Doing exercise on top of your hard day’s work may not sound very appealing but it is important for your body to get variety in movement. Simple exercises such as going for a walk, swimming or a gentle bike ride are great ways to introduce variety into your routine.
 
Don’t Ignore the Pain
 
You may hear tradies complain about an injury but choosing to ignore it. Unfortunately, this is common practice in the industry and needs to be addressed. Early intervention and treatment is part of the solution in improving the well-being of tradies.
 
Many tradies have experienced back pain, neck pain and muscle stress. It may be helpful to consult a chiropractor to seek advice. Prevention is better than cure – don’t ignore the pain and take a proactive approach to your health with preventative measures. It is not wise to ignore aches and pains; these may become more pronounced over time and cause significant health problems. This early intervention will prove beneficial in the long run, giving you a chance to address health concerns early on and resolve problems before they progress.
 
 
 
References:
 
1. Safe Work Australia, 2016, Statistics on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.