Seven in ten construction workers ‘experience pain at work at least once a week’

71% of construction workers experience pain at work at least once a week, according to new research.

Led by Jacuzzi, the hot tub and hydrotherapy firm, workers from a variety of industries were quizzed on their experiences of injuries and pain at work.

Two in five UK tradespeople suffer from work-related pain every week, while three in five tradespeople report lower back injuries, making it the most common injury sustained on the job. Shoulder pain (31%) was the second most likely issue, according to the survey. Furthermore, half said they have taken time off work because of a health issue caused by their job. 

In construction, neck pain (32%) is the most common form of discomfort reported, followed by arm pain (25%). Only 7% of construction workers never experience any form of work-related pain. 

Nearly nine in ten (89%) construction workers said that they’d taken time off due to injury, with 56% missing more than a week.

Tracey Hudson, executive director at HR Dept, said, “It’s worrying to see that regardless of the industry, a large portion of workers are experiencing pain, injury or discomfort as a result of their working conditions. It’s no surprise to see back pain is the most commonly experienced form of pain, as this is an area of the body that’s put under considerable stress, whether you’re working at a desk or on a construction site.

“If you experience pain due to your work, make sure to raise the issue with a line manager or your employer’s HR department, as they will take steps to ensure you are safe, and will work with Occupational Health or your GP who can often suggest changes to your working environment which can help prevent injury or the recurrence of pain.”