Page 41 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

www.etuvic.com.au
THE ETU > SUMMER 2016 41
Who’s afected?
If you’re over 55, you could be at even higher risk of these issues based on previous trends in the number of serious claims awarded to this age group.
What can I do?
See a physio! You might be surprised to know that physiotherapists deal with more than just backs. They
also support people with chronic health problems (like heart disease and diabetes), and the lesser-known issues that men face, like pelvic loor problems such as incontinence.
In short, physiotherapists are experts in helping to reduce the alarmingly common health and safety issues associated with working in labour-intensive industries.
Talk to your union delegate or shop steward about getting a physio in for a worksite risk assessment.
Use the smoko to drill into your mates the importance of health measures that prevent problems from occurring in the irst place. This is
the best way to ensure you are it and well for work.
Something doesn’t
feel right?
Early intervention of niggles, aches and pains prevents a small problem turning into a large one. Injuries shouldn’t afect your work, family or social life. So don’t ignore the warning signs. See a physiotherapist right away.
Oi! Get involved
Time of work due to poor health and injury has a signiicant impact on business, communities, the health system and the economy — and this impact will grow if we don’t change behaviour. Tradies’ health must be everyone’s priority.
Visit tradieshealth.com.au to add some tips to your tool belt and ind out how you can improve your health at work.
Rates of injury and musculoskeletal disorder claims
Occupation
Labourers
Machinery
operators and drivers
Technicians and trade workers
Keep ‘it for work’
• Can you bend and reach without strain? Keep your lexibility by doing 5–10 minutes of stretching every morning
• Take frequent microbreaks during the day rather than infrequent long breaks
• Stay hydrated — 2–3 litres is what you need!
• Keep your core strong — go with your other half to Pilates once in a while
• Sleep well and eat well — give yourself energy to help you remain healthy, alert and safe
Get a grip on the way you handle objects
• Keep your chest up where possible when handling
• Keep loads close to the body • Avoid awkward and twisted
postures
• Ask for assistance when required
• Use equipment to make tasks safer and easier
For more information about the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) visit www.physiotherapy.asn.au
Frequency rate
(serious claims per million hours worked)
18.7 11.2
7.4
Incidence rate
(serious claims per 1,000 employees)
25.1 22.3
14.4
Try stretching every morning for 5–10 minutes