Protecting Aging Employees in the Workplace
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, 24% of workers were 55 or older. In addition, fatal injuries among workers who are 55 and older increased by 8% from 2018 to 2019. The 2,005 deaths that occurred in 2019 indicate the most significant number ever recorded for this age group.
In addition, The Centers for Construction Research and Training conducted research that suggested that nonfatal injuries show that aging workers are more likely to experience pain in the knees, torso, back, and shoulders. Also, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), arthritis and hypertension are the two most common health conditions affecting older workers, impacting 47% and 44%, respectively, of workers over the age of 55.
So if we know that nearly a quarter of our workforce is over 55 years old and they’re more likely to get hurt, what controls can we implement to keep them safe?
Adapt the Physical Workspace
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Adapt the Physical Workspace 〰️
1. Improve signage visibility, including larger fonts and reduced glare on screens
2. Increase lumens (lighting)
3. Provide anti-fatigue mats
4. Position working areas and point of operations in the worker’s power zone (chest to knees) to reduce awkward positions
5. Ensure employees have the proper personal protective equipment and footwear, including shoes that are not worn and are appropriate for the tasks being performed
6. Provide knee pads for tasks that require the employee to be on their knees. Or better yet, modify the task to eliminate employees working on their knees
Promote Health
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Promote Health 〰️
1. Provide free health screenings, such as blood work and blood pressure checks
2. Communicate the details of the company’s Employees Assistance Program (EAP)
3. Promote total worker health by speaking about safety at work and at home
4. Provide healthy food options in the canteen
5. Encourage exercise and healthy lifestyles
6. Implement a Stretch and Flex Program to warm up muscles before work begins
Implement Technology
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Implement Technology 〰️
1. Utilize equipment to eliminate or reduce manual material lifting, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and scissor lift tables
2. Provide the proper tools for the job
3. Help older employees adapt to new technologies
Train, Train, Train!
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Train, Train, Train! 〰️
1. Train workers on hazards in their areas and the controls to prevent injury. Frequent training can reduce complacency and is an excellent way to keep risks top of mind
2. Train supervisors to understand the hazards in their area and the controls they should supervise to prevent their employees from injury or illness.
Adapting the physical workplace, promoting health, implementing technology, and training are effective controls that can help reduce injuries in our aging workers.
This blog was written by Brandy Bossle, Triangle Safety Consulting LLC's Owner and Principal Consultant. She offers audits, expertise, resources, and guidance to help small to medium-sized manufacturing facilities improve their safety program.
She is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) under the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
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