The trade industry is a rewarding but demanding career choice. It involves working with various tools, materials and environments that can pose different risks to your health and safety. In this blog post, we will discuss some of most common injuries that tradespeople face and what you can do if you have been affected by any of them.
Falls, Trips and Slips
One of the most frequent causes of injuries in the trade industry is falling, tripping or slipping. These accidents can result in sprains, strains, fractures or even concussions. They can be caused by various factors such as uneven or slippery surfaces, obstacles and poor lighting to name a few. If you suffer from a fall, trip, or slip at work and have suffered an injury, you may be eligible for a compensation claim.
Fractures and Wounds
Another common type of injury is fractures and wounds. These can occur when you are working with heavy machinery, power tools or sharp objects. For example, a falling hammer, a malfunctioning saw, or a broken glass can cause serious damage to your bones or skin and will require medical immediate medical attention.
Diseases
Diseases are not always visible or immediate, but they can have long-term and severe consequences for your health. Trade workers can be exposed to various substances and environments that can cause diseases affecting different systems in the body. For example, asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, lead exposure can cause brain damage, while dust, mould and chemical exposure can cause skin irritation or allergies.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage or spinal discs. They are often caused or aggravated by repetitive movements, awkward postures, heavy lifting or vibration. MSD can affect various parts of the body as well cause recurring pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness or reduced mobility.
Industrial Deafness
Industrial deafness is a hearing loss caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise in the workplace. It can affect one or both ears and range from mild to severe and contribute to other problems including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headaches and sleep problems.
Mental Health
Mental health is an important aspect of your well-being that can affect your mood, thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Working in the trade industry can be stressful and demanding, which can take a toll on your mental health with some of the most common issues being anxiety, depression, stress and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Making a Claim: Your Right to Compensation
If you have been injured or ill because of your work in the trade industry, you may have grounds for making a workers’ compensation claim or a possible claim under the civil liability act, and you can either contact us or complete our questionnaire and we will get back to you.
We are a team of experienced lawyers who specialise in workers’ compensation claims. And we can help you understand your rights and entitlements, guide you through the process and represent you in any disputes or appeals.