Apprentices and Trainees

Staying healthy & looking after yourself as a Tradie

Fatigue in the workplace

Early starts and full-time hours?  Working overtime as well? Juggling Work, Life and Trade School? Fatigue in the workplace is real and impacts on your work performance and safety. You and your employer are both responsible to reduce this risk.

Additional resources:

• Fatigue at Work: Why It's Worse than You Think (and What You Should Do About It)
• Fatigue as an Occupational Hazard

Drug and Alcohol use and addiction

Does your workplace have a drug and alcohol policy?  Do you know how much is too much?  Having some information about alcohol and other drug use may help you understand the impact of drugs and alcohol on you, your work mates and your workplace.

There are a range of services in South Australia for individuals who experience or know a mate who is experiencing alcohol or other drug issues.

• Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA)
• Alcohol & other drugs | SafeWork SA
• Alcohol | SA Health
• Harmful drug use | SA Health
  
  

Supporting your Mates

I’m worried, my mate seems to be using more and more! How do I help? Explore these resources to learn more about the potential signs to look out for, and how you can support them if they need help. 

Alcohol and Drug Foundation
BIRST - The Construction & Other Industries Drug & Alcohol Program Inc. (COIDAP)

Treat your workmates with respect

Discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable and is against the law.

Reduce workplace injury

Protect your own health and safety and your mates! All workers are responsible for protecting their own health and safety at work.
To minimise the risks to your health and safety:

• keep your work area free of hazards
• have you had induction, training and instructions in working safely in your industry? 
• follow all reasonable (safe) directions by your supervisor on worksites
• if you are not confident that you can do the task safely, ask your supervisor for guidance and training
• if you are aware of a safety risk on site, immediately report it to your supervisor
• comply with all policies, procedures and instructions in relation to work, health and safety (WHS)
  
• ear all required PPE
• operate plant and machinery in line with correct policies, procedures and training
• do not take drugs or consume alcohol before or at work

Reporting safety concerns

If you have any concerns about the safety at work workplace, are experiencing any inappropriate behaviour at work, or you witness such behaviour, report it to your supervisor or manager.

Alternatively, contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255 or the Fair Work Commission on 1300 799 675 for advice.

Further information

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
• SafeWork SA

How to stay healthy as a Tradesperson

Healthy Eating

Working long hours, have a demanding trade, and missing energy boosting meals at work?
Getting your quick fix on the worksite of Iced coffee, chocolate doughnuts and pies?
You can change the way you approach food and boost your energy levels and concentration on the worksite. Consider some of the following changes in your eating habits: 

Further information

• 5 Healthy lunch tips for hardworking Tradies
• Weekly Menu Plan : Healthy Living
• CSIOR Total Wellbeing Diet : Recipe Collection