Victorian tradies embark on aerobic health kick

Amid new research that has revealed Victorian tradies are some of the unhealthiest workers across the state, one group of Melbourne tradesmen have embarked on an initiative to bolster their well being.

According to a News Limited report, the group of construction workers have rallied together to promote safety and health in the workplace, starting each day with on-site aerobics complete with their very own instructor.

Engineering and design company Freyssinet said since swapping the mid-morning pie and smoko break with an exercise session, there had been a notable reduction in musculoskeletal injuries incurred on the job.

"You realise that you're better off warming up ahead of a day's work, especially when you're doing heavy lifting," steel fixer Matt Flynn said.

This month's WorkSafe Victoria WorkHealth report revealed that those who worked within the construction sector were some of the unhealthiest employees, more likely to drink at dangerous levels, smoke and have a high chance of heart disease.

The state-wide report unveiled a number of health concerns in the sector, showing blue-collar workers are also more likely to develop type two diabetes than those who work in offices.

The mining sector proved to have the unhealthiest workers, with more employees in the field likely to drink alcohol in excess than any other industry, as well having the highest blood pressure.