Page 40 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

40
THE ETU > SUMMER 2016
www.facebook.com/etuvic
HEALTH > TRADIES' HEALTH
33% were from
So, what’s the issue?
Injuries and accidents
Sources of serious compensation claims included:
Disease
The problem of musculoskeletal disorders is improving (the number of serious claims fell by 7 per cent), but claims arising from diseases increased by 4 per cent.*
When we say “disease” we’re not talking about scary life-threatening stuff: it can be common problems with the digestive system, mental health, and issues with your nervous system. But, as anyone who’s been unwell will tell you, these ongoing diseases can play havoc with your quality of life.
* Period of 2000–01 and 2011–12.
muscular stress
while lifting and handling objects
LET’S GET BEHIND TRADIES HEALTH
Did you know that Australia’s tradies continue to have among the highest health and safety issues of any sector? Mate, that’s you.
To tackle the problem, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging employers and trade unions to prioritise tradies’ health now and into the future.
ffffffff22%
were from falls, trips & slips
ff