Tradies Grapple with Pain and Long-Term Health Concerns Amid Trade Shortage

New data reveals that nine in ten Australian tradies experienced a work-related injury in the past year, and one in two live with severe pain. This alarming information comes from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) ahead of Tradies National Health Month, highlighting the severe physical toll on Australia’s workforce as productivity pressures mount.

With one in every ten Australian workers being a tradie, the implications are widespread. One in four tradies fears they will need to retire early due to the physical demands of their work.

The 2024 Tradies National Health Month Survey by the APA reports that nearly two in three tradies who visited a physiotherapist experienced significant pain reduction or eradication. APA Occupational Health Physiotherapist Lucia Tsui emphasized the urgent need for accessible and appropriate pain management and preventive strategies for a sector disproportionately affected by workplace injuries and chronic conditions.

“Pain affects every aspect of a person’s life, from playing with your kids, to your mood, sleep, and even sex life – this is heavily reflected in the survey,” said Ms. Tsui.

Key Findings of the Survey:

• Gender Disparities: Female tradies are significantly more likely to describe their pain as severe compared to their male counterparts.

• Age Factor:

Millennials are the most likely to sustain severe injuries, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions for younger workers.

• Trade Shortage

Impact: One in two tradies reported that the general skills shortage has negatively impacted their mental health, which in turn has decreased their physical health.

With demand for skilled tradespeople at an all-time high, the physical and mental health of tradies is more critical than ever.

Untreated physical pain can significantly impact mental health, often leading to maladaptive coping strategies.

The survey revealed that 87 percent of tradies medicate or self-medicate to manage their pain, with 30 percent resorting to drugs or alcohol. This self-medication can lead to further health complications, whereas physiotherapy offers a healthier, evidence-based alternative.

“Employers have a responsibility to their workers. Providing access to physiotherapy and mental health services is crucial for ensuring a healthier, more productive workforce. Unfortunately, only 35 percent of tradies felt their employers understood or supported them with their health issues,” said Ms. Tsui. Support and Awareness Campaign

Tradies often reach out to friends and family about their pain rather than seeking professional help. Tradies National Health Month encourages tradies to prioritize their wellbeing and urges employers, family members, and friends to support them in addressing their pain to work safely and comfortably.

“Our goal is to break the pain cycle by encouraging tradies to seek professional help rather than rely on self-medication. Preventive physiotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of chronic injuries and improve overall health outcomes for tradies. We hope this campaign will raise awareness and provide much-needed support to our hardworking tradies,” Ms. Tsui added.

Held every August, Tradies National Health Month was established by the APA to highlight the unique role of physiotherapists in preventing and treating musculoskeletal issues that affect tradies throughout their careers.

New Opportunity To Grow Business Events In Regional Nsw

Destination NSW will highlight immersive visitor experiences and business event destinations across regional NSW to the world at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) from 10-12 February 2025. Expressions of Interest are now open to coexhibit with Destination NSW’s regional conferencing program, Business Events NSW, at the leading trade event for the meetings and business events industry.

AIME 2025 will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and is expected to attract more than 570 exhibitors and 3500 attendees. As a pivotal date on the business events calendar, it offers unparalleled opportunities for visitor economy growth.

Business events attract high-yield domestic and international travellers, with the latest Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending March 2024 showing domestic overnight conference visitors to

NSW spent on average $530 per night, which is 133.8 per cent higher than domestic leisure visitors spend per night.

More than 40 destinations, venues and experience suppliers from across the state were highlighted by Destination NSW earlier this year at AIME 2024.

Business Events

NSW partnered with BESydney to pitch the best of NSW through a total of 800 appointments during the two-day event, with 100 handpicked business event buyers and media visiting the NSW stand for networking opportunities.

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “The business event opportunity offered by AIME 2025 is unparalleled, providing destinations in regional NSW with avenues for additional revenue streams during lowseason and midweek periods.

“Destination NSW recently introduced new messaging for Business Events NSW aligned to the ‘Feel New’ visitor brand - ‘Corporate events that feel anything but’ – to drive business events growth in regional NSW.

“The messaging highlights how NSW takes business events beyond the boardroom.

From Ballina to Bateman’s Bay and Gosford to Griffith, every corner of the state is filled with unique and immersive experiences that ensure long-lasting memories, not just a stack of business cards.”

Co-exhibiting with

Destination NSW is an opportunity to be a part of a united presence at AIME, showcasing the best NSW has to offer to business event buyers.

View the Business Events AIME 2025 Partnership Prospectus to learn more via the QR code.