Many, but not all, skilled trades can be physically demanding. Whether that be because it involves heavy machinery, ladders, kneeling, standing on your feet for hours on end, and/or lifting and carrying heavy materials, the body is expending a lot of energy at any given time. Due to the amount of physical exertion required, it is no surprise that chronic pain and musculoskeletal pain/injuries are quite common. With most apprenticeships consisting of a couple of thousand hours of work throughout their program, post-secondary trades students are consistently being subjected to physically demanding environments. A study of masonry apprentices showed that almost 80% displayed signs of musculoskeletal injury symptoms, mostly in their lower back and wrists/hands (Anton et al., 2020). This type of injury is not only damaging to the individual but it also puts them at risk of further injury and is linked to fatigue and decreased concentration (Arias et al., 2022)., Musculoskeletal pain is known to be associated with workplace accidents, as those who experience this type of pain attempt to reduce their movement in those areas to not agitate it, which can sometimes lead to unsteadiness and increase the risk for falls (Arias et al., 2022).
Many pain-related factors affect the mental health of individuals. People living with chronic pain are at a heightened risk of suicide, depression, substance use issues, and anxiety (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2020). Sleep problems due to chronic pain can increase stress levels and contribute to depression, a known predictor of suicide (APA, 2020; Racine, 2018; Themelis et al., 2023). As a result, an overlap of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain is commonly seen (Harvard Medical School, 2021).
Many colleges, such as Northern College, Georgian College, Mohawk College, Durham College, Sault College, and St. Clair College, offer safety training and equipment as a part of their pre- apprenticeship programs.
At McMaster University, Human Resources Services provides employees with Safety Toolbox Talks, which provide staff with information on health and safety in their space.
