A survey of customers by Toolstation has revealed that many plumbers and electricians have suffered work related injuries, but fear of financial loss means they are reluctant to take time off to recover.
New research has revealed that almost three-quarters of installers have suffered from work related injuries, aches, pains and strains – with 79% of those surveyed believing it has affected their ability to carry out their work, as well as having a negative impact on their personal life.
The survey of Toolstation customers was carried out in June this year and highlights the challenges faced by the trade when injuries occur. Nearly 75% of respondents were sole traders, with over half of those surveyed confirming they’d needed to take time off work due to their injuries, resulting in loss of income and causing high levels of stress, as summarised by one respondent who said:
“Being self-employed, if you get injuries at work it can have an extremely adverse effect on your mental wellbeing, causing stress. If you are unable to work then you are unable to earn.”
As a result of the pressure to work and earn, many in the trade just ‘get on with it’ despite their pain and suffering, as highlighted in comments including: “I find it very hard to recover from my continuous pains and strains. The facts are that these injuries require resting the affected areas, but the reality is that my aches and pains are overshadowed by the impact of financial loss due to not working.”
In terms of the nature of the aches and pains that mostly affect the trade, 71% reported back problems, whilst 64% had trouble with their knees. The neck, shoulders and hands/fingers were also key problem areas. Some 75% of plumbers and 65% of electricians highlighted difficult work postures or movements as the main cause of problems, repetitive movements and working in cold and wet conditions were also important causative factors across all trades.
Other respondents spoke of the impact their work had on their family life, with one commenting: “My body is very tired after work, which makes it hard to have time with my kids, which upsets me. I’m always tired, which is draining mentally.”
John Meaden, Marketing Director at Toolstation, says that the research highlights the daily pressures tradespeople are under to maintain their income: “Our research reveals the extent to which tradespeople suffer injuries, aches, pains and strains in getting the job done day to day; but more so it highlights the financial and emotional impact on individuals and their family life. As a leading supplier to the trade, we believe we have a responsibility to support our customers in looking after themselves, and so we are working on ways to help improve their health and wellbeing.”
