Australian workers could risk not having enough money to cover their basic needs when they must take time off work due to an injury or illness.

This could be particularly problematic if you experience a serious health issue that required you to take a substantial break from the workplace.

Nowhere is this more true than in the construction industry, which has one of the highest rates of workplace injury in the country.

Safe Work Australia statistics show the sector was responsible for 11 per cent of all serious injury compensation claims nationwide between 2007-08 and 2011-12. During this period, around 36 workers a day claimed they required one or more weeks off work due to a work-related injury or disease.

While improvements have been made over the years, construction still had the fifth highest rate of serious injury incidents across all sectors in 2010.

The most frequent problem was 'body stressing', a term used to describe muscular strains while handling tools, machinery and other equipment. This type of injury was responsible for 34 per cent of compensation enquiries.

Falls, trips and slips accounted for more than a quarter of claims, while being hit by moving objects resulted in 16 per cent.

However, investing in tradesman income protection can ensure you are covered should you be unable to work due to injury or illness.

This will enable you to cope financially while you recover, with partial payments available for people who can work part-time on their way back to full-time employment. 

One of the biggest advantages of income protection is that you are covered for all injuries and illnesses, not just those suffered at work. So you can even be protected from a trip, slip or fall at home, for example, giving you a comprehensive insurance solution for a range of unforeseen events.