New research from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has found that chronic work-related pain and discomfort remain widespread among Australia’s tradies, resulting in more than half of those surveyed lacking confidence in their ability to continue working in their trade until retirement age.
As Tradies National Health Month begins, the APA is urging tradies in discomfort to seek early treatment from their local physiotherapist, and Federal and State governments to pursue greater investment in preventative health care to ensure the well-being of this critical workforce.
The APA’s 2026 national quantitative survey found that nearly three quarters (74%) of tradies say they experience frequent (weekly or greater) physical pain or discomfort as a result of their work.
Alarmingly, the survey also found that more than half (52%) of tradies, including nearly 4 in 10 members of Gen Z and more than a third of millennials, say they lack confidence in their ability to continue working in their trade until retirement age, with ongoing physical strain and general wear and tear the most cited concerns.
To learn more visit https://australian.physio/campaigns/tradies-national-health-month
The full topline insights from the APA’s 2026 research for Tradies National Health Month can be found at https://australian.physio/
