A recent study revealed that many young Australian tradespeople disregard pain and jeopardise their long-term health. The findings emphasise a culture of resilience that often veers into recklessness, as young workers push through discomfort without seeking help.

Ben Rosenbaum, a 22-year-old carpenter, embodied this struggle. After six years in the industry, he frequently dealt with back pain and "niggles" that he assumed were part of the job.

"You do get a bit of pain and whatnot, but I guess it comes with the job," he admitted.

However, a significant turning point came for Ben when an injury left him unable to work.

"I went to get out of bed, and it was a real struggle," he recalled. "I was in a lot of pain — I couldn't even sit down to drive my car."

This wake-up call prompted him to seek treatment, leading to a greater understanding of his physical limits.

“You can ask for help and change the way you do everyday jobs,” he stated.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) corroborated Ben’s experience, noting that it was not uncommon for young tradespeople to work through pain without seeking treatment. A recent survey revealed that 39% of millennial tradies ignored pain while working, and 78% reported that discomfort prevented them from enjoying their leisure activities.

Michelle Strother from the APA warned against the misconception that younger workers were immune to pain.

“A lot of workers tend to ignore their body complaints, and they don’t seek advice,” she explained.

David Sparshott, a Dubbo physiotherapist, has observed a troubling trend among young tradies who often "self-medicate" instead of seeking professional help. He pointed out a pervasive "toughen-up mentality" within the industry.

“Everyone’s got a little bit of pain, and there’s probably a bit of a misconception that part of the job is that you’ll one day be broken down,” he noted.

For many tradespeople, access to healthcare also poses a barrier. David highlighted that those in regional areas often found it particularly challenging to consult a physiotherapist or other specialists.

Jim Walsh, a Dubbo-based builder, had firsthand experience with the physical toll of the trade. Having started his career at 14, he navigated numerous injuries and pain management strategies over the years. However, he recalled a frustrating four-week wait for a referral after tearing all the ligaments in his ankle.

“People put off getting help if it’s going to take four weeks to see someone — they’ll worry about it another day,” Jim said.

He hoped the younger generation would learn from the mistakes of their predecessors. He observed a prevalent attitude among older tradespeople to ignore injuries, leading to long-term consequences.

“If you got strained or injured during work, the mentality was you put it off,” he reflected.