- Australia's largest Tradies National Health Survey, with 4,800+ tradies sharing their experiences.
- 70% of tradies experience work-related physical pain or discomfort every week, while more than half lack confidence they'll be able to work until retirement.
- More than 70% of tradies reported experiencing burnout at least occasionally during the past 12 months.
- 21% of tradies say cost of living pressures are impacting their mental wellbeing, while just over half now feel comfortable talking to someone about their mental health.
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical safety on the job. But the reality is that many tradies are facing increasing pressures both on and off the worksite.
As a proud supporting partner of Beyond Blue, Steel Blue is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of tradies across Australia. Together with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), Steel Blue has conducted Australia's largest Tradies National Health Survey, with more than 4,800 tradies sharing their experiences.
The survey provides valuable insight into the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Australia's trade industry, helping identify the issues affecting workers today.
The physical demands of the trade industry
Working in trades can be physically demanding, with many workers experiencing the ongoing impact of repetitive tasks, long hours and physically intensive environments.
The survey found that 70% of tradies reported experiencing work-related physical pain or discomfort each week, highlighting the significant physical demands placed on workers across the industry.
The survey also revealed that more than half of tradies lack confidence in their ability to continue working in their trade until retirement age, raising important questions about the long-term sustainability of trade careers and the need for greater focus on worker health and wellbeing.
Burnout affecting more than 7 in 10 tradies
One of the survey's most significant findings is the prevalence of workplace burnout.
More than 70% of tradies reported experiencing burnout at least occasionally during the past 12 months. This highlights the significant impact burnout is having on tradies and the importance of creating workplaces that promote wellbeing and support recovery.
Dr Luke Martin, Clinical Psychologist at Beyond Blue, said burnout is more than simply feeling tired after a busy week.
"Burnout can develop when ongoing workplace demands consistently outweigh the support and resources people need to maintain their wellbeing."
“Long hours, demanding workloads, labour shortages and the pressure to keep projects moving can all contribute to burnout. When the pressures of work build up over time without enough opportunity to rest and recover, the impact can extend well beyond the worksite. If left unaddressed, it can affect concentration, motivation, relationships and mental health."
While individuals can take steps to support their wellbeing, preventing burnout is also a workplace responsibility. Key to creating a mentally healthy worksite is reducing risks to mental health, like excessive demands, and fostering a culture where team members feel safe to speak up and seek support when they need it. It’s also important tradies know support is available and how to access it”.
Cost of living pressures continue to rise
Financial stress continues to affect the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians.
The survey found that 21% of respondents who provided additional feedback identified cost of living pressures as a key factor affecting their mental wellbeing. This represents an increase from 16% in 2025 and 15% in 2024, highlighting the growing impact of rising household expenses and financial uncertainty.
According to Beyond Blue’s Money and Mental Health Toolkit, financial pressure can affect many aspects of daily life. Financial pressure can increase stress, disrupt sleep, affect relationships and make it more difficult to cope with workplace demands. At the same time, mental health challenges can make managing finances feel even more overwhelming.
More tradies are seeking support
Encouragingly, attitudes towards mental health continue to improve. Steel Blue's Tradies National Health Survey found that just over half of tradies now feel comfortable talking to someone if they're concerned about their mental health.
That conversation might be with a family member, friend, workmate or health professional such as a GP. Talking to someone you trust or seeking professional support early can make a real difference.
Beyond Blue CEO, Georgie Harman AO says, “Tradies are often the people others rely on to get the job done, but these findings show many are carrying significant pressure both at work and at home."
"It's encouraging to see more tradies feeling comfortable talking about their mental health and reaching out for support when something doesn’t feel right. We know that when people are struggling, they're most likely to start by talking to someone they know and trust - whether that's a partner, mate, family member, workmate or supervisor.
“Creating mentally healthy workplaces where people feel safe to have these conversations is an important part of that.”
And, while awareness is important, Ms Harman says it's what happens next that matters most.
“Recognising when something doesn't feel right and taking action; starting a conversation, checking in with a mate, or seeking support yourself can be the first step towards feeling better sooner and staying well."
Every pair helps support Australian tradies
"For more than a decade, our partnership with Beyond Blue has been about helping support and encourage the mental health of Australian tradies. While we’re proud to have raised more than $520,000 for Beyond Blue, we’re equally committed to raising awareness of the challenges tradies face and encouraging people to seek support when they need it," said Peter Bell, Steel Blue CEO.
Steel Blue has always believed that protecting workers goes beyond manufacturing comfortable work boots. Supporting the wellbeing of the people who wear them is just as important.
Every pair of men’s and women’s Blue Steel Blue boots sold helps make a difference, with $10 from every pair donated directly to Beyond Blue's 24/7 Support Service. Show your support and grab a pair of Blue boots from your local Steel Blue stockist.
If you or someone you know is struggling, Beyond Blue's Support Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing free and confidential mental health support whenever it's needed. Or, check out their free online tools and resources using the links below:
Beyond Blue - Support Services
Beyond Blue – Burnout Check-in Tool
Beyond Blue - Money and Mental Health Quiz
Beyond Blue – Money and Mental Health Toolkit
Beyond Blue - PACE: Daily wellbeing app
