Research commissioned by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) in June this year showed that tradies were more likely to look after their tools and work vehicles than their own bodies, with almost one third not following safe lifting guidelines and less than one quarter stretching before they start work, even though they know it would be helpful.

August is Tradies National Health Month, an APA initiative that aims to raise awareness about the health and injury risks associated with physically demanding trade work.

The APA wants tradies and their employers to make small changes in their work practices to reduce their risk of injury and stay healthy and well on the job.

"Tradies are at particular risk of a range of injuries as a result of the intensity and repetitive nature of their work, so it's important that they put some preventive health measures in place and get help before little niggles turn into more chronic issues," APA national president Phil Calvert said.

One of these measures is the simple act of stretching before the work day starts.

"Our research shows that of those tradies who exercise or play sport regularly, more than half will spend a few minutes stretching and warming up because they know this helps reduce injuries," Mr Calvert said.

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"Yet when it comes to starting work for the day, in many respects another type of 'sport', less than a quarter will warm up, even though they know it could prevent stiffness and soreness at the end of the day."

The research showed that tradies would be more likely to stretch if they thought their bosses would approve of it, highlighting an opportunity for trade employers to take a proactive position and encourage their employees to spend a few minutes each day getting their bodies warmed up for the physical work ahead.

This not only helps reduce injury risk and lost time, but improves on the job productivity, making it a win-win for both parties.