Tradies National Health Awareness Month: Research reveals Rockingham tradies exposed to health dangers

New research has found that three in five Rockingham tradies don’t proactively protect their eyesight and hearing at work. Optometrists and audiology professionals have teamed up for Tradies National Health Awareness Month this month to educate labourers and tradespeople about the importance of protecting their eyes and ears at work. Research commissioned by Specsavers Australia has found that of the 22,249 technicians, tradespeople, labourers and machinery operators in Rockingham, about half are taking very little to no preventative measures to look after their eyes and ears in the workplace. Half of the tradies surveyed nationally admitted to not wearing hearing protection in loud working environments or around loud machinery, with 34 per cent forgetting to wear hearing protection and 9 per cent believing loud noises won’t have an impact on their hearing. The research also found that of the near three-quarters of Australians who DIY jobs around the house, about 40 per cent admitted to not wearing hearing and/or eye protection for DIY activities. Rockingham Specsavers optometrist Suraj Visavadia stressed the importance of everyone looking after their hearing and eyesight, especially tradies and labourers. “Once you lose it, there is no getting it back,” he said. “Health professionals across the country are encouraging all tradies to be aware of the potential risks and put on a pair of earmuffs and goggles when at work. Prevention is always better than cure and getting regular health checks is important in keeping your eyes and ears safe now and for years to come.” Tips for looking after hearing and eyesight on the job include: