'Pain Game' ad blitz targets common workplace injuries

12/06/2012 - A construction worker balances on a paint tin as he drills into a wall, slips and smashes his pelvis.

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The shortcut costs him three months rehabilitation, months off work and drains tens of thousands of dollars from the public purse.

The confronting scenario is part of a new WorkSafe advertising blitz targeting preventable musculoskeletal injuries, which cost the community almost $1 billion a year.

The Pain Game campaign, launched on Sunday, uses a gameshow format and satirical spinning wheel to demonstrate how workers who cut corners earn themselves a "big chance to score an excruciating injury".

Assistant Victorian Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said dangerous manual handling practices, particularly lifting, lowering and moving things, accounted for almost 70 per cent of all Victorian workers compensation claims, while 20 per cent were the result of slips, trips and falls.

"Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common workplace injury, costing nearly $1 billion a year in medical costs, wages and other expenses," Rich-Phillips said.

"Every day 43 Victorians are seriously hurt with these injuries, with an average workers compensation claim costing $55,000."

Musculoskeletal injuries affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. They can be preventable and are often difficult to treat, very painful and can be long-lasting.

The year-long campaign will be advertised on television, billboards and online.

Source: AAP

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