August marks Tradies National Health Month (TNHM) a vital initiative launched by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) in 2012. Designed to spotlight the physical and mental health challenges faced by tradies, TNHM invites everyone, tradie or not, to join the conversation about wellbeing in trade professions.
Tradies are essential to Australia’s infrastructure and daily life. Yet, they face disproportionate health risks:
Over 90% of tradies experienced work-related injuries or pain in the past year and in 90% of cases, work caused or worsened it.
76% say pain significantly impacts their quality of life, and 42% describe it as severe, persisting for months or even years.
87% resort to medication or self-medication, and 30% turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
A worrying 24% fear they may be forced into early retirement due to bodily stress.
Among those who sought physiotherapy, nearly two-thirds experienced significant pain relief or even eradication.
These figures underlie a pressing need: valuing tradies not only for their skill but also for their health and longevity.
Despite their crucial role, tradies remain vulnerable:
Falls and manual handling are leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in construction.
Although tradies make up just 35% of the workforce, they account for nearly 60% of serious workers’ compensation claims.
Yet troublingly, only one-third would stretch or warm up if their employer prioritised it, and less than one-quarter actually do.
Physical injuries also take a mental toll: labourers report depression or anxiety as a consequence of workplace injuries.
TNHM isn't just raising awareness, it equips tradies and their support networks with tools:
The APA provides downloadable posters, social assets, videos, and guides covering issues like low back pain, stretch routines, sleep, work tools, and healthy practices.
Partners like WorkSafe Victoria offer toolkits targeting mental health, bullying, fatigue, and inclusive workplaces.
Campaigns such as Bunnings’ provide trade-specific wellbeing advice, while Lifeline partners with the APA to launch themes like “Wear the Conversation” encouraging mental health discussions on worksites.
High-profile ambassadors Dave Hughes, Dennis Lillee, Glen Jakovich, and Glenn Archer help keep visibility high.
Physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to support tradies by:
Preventing injuries through safe techniques and ergonomics.
Providing early intervention to stop minor issues becoming chronic.
Offering pain management that improves both productivity and life enjoyment.
Adapting strategies to preserve long-term mobility and career longevity.
Treating not just musculoskeletal pain, but also complex conditions such as diabetes, stroke recovery, pelvic floor issues, and mental health overlap.
At Akura, we share and elevate Tradies National Health Month’s core values. We recognise that safety is more than regulations. It’s about safeguarding people. That’s why we:
Embed health-first culture in all our work: nurturing environments where warming up, safe lifting, and wellbeing conversations are encouraged.
Prioritise early health access: ensuring tradies have timely support for aches, injuries, stress and access to physiotherapy when needed.
Champion physical and mental wellness: reminding everyone that sustainable performance starts with wellbeing.
Empower individuals and teams to protect themselves, and each other, because resilient tradies mean resilient outcomes.
This August, as Tradies National Health Month shines a spotlight on the health and vitality of our trade workforce, let’s go beyond recognition. Let’s act, by building stronger support systems, investing in prevention, and creating cultures where tradies can speak up, seek help, and thrive.
At Akura, your safety is our foundation. Because when tradies are well, body and mind, we all build brighter, safer futures together.
Ready to work with a construction partner who puts people first? Explore our proven Turnkey Design and Construction capabilities, or contact us to discuss your next project.