Trades jobs involve physical, sometimes dangerous work and a heavy workload is a recognised risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. There are also gender differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints. Men have a higher risk of back complaints from lifting, but women have a higher risk of neck/shoulder complaints when performing the same tasks. This presents an important consideration for physiotherapists who work with physically active tradespeople.

The Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) has highlighted key messages from the 5 facts article featured in the August edition of InMotion and produced this infographic. Click on the image below to access a printable A3 file. 

About the authors:

Deb Sutherland APAM, MACP is an APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, director of Occupational Wellbeing and an occupational health consultant. Deb is the national chair of the Occupational Health group.

Simon Mitchell APAM, is a physiotherapist, an illness and injury prevention specialist and People, Safety and Environment Manager at Tomago Aluminium.

Michelle Strother APAM is a physiotherapist and an occupational health and ergonomics consultant, providing occupational health, safety, ergonomic and rehabilitation services in a predominantly trades and labour-based environment. Michelle is currently the Western Australian state chair of the Occupational Health national group.

Zac Lowth APAM is the general manager operations of Staunch Technology and the deputy chair of the Occupational Health national group. Zac is a long-time advocate of predicting and proactively managing injury risk with over a decade’s experience in workplace health.

Marcus Mancer APAM, MACP is an APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist who has spent much of his 23 years of experience in the occupational and business sectors. Marcus is currently the Northern Territory chair for both the Occupational Health and Business national groups.

This infographic is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative supported by FlexEze – partner of the PRF.