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R&R Insurance Blog

Preventing Injuries In An Aging Workforce

Posted by Bill Katzfey

Older-WorkerExperts predict that by the year 2020, 25% of the US workforce will be 55 years or older. Couple this statistic with the fact that most people are working past the traditional retirement age of 65 and organizations need to pay special attention to this sector of the workforce.

On average, older workers are injured less frequently than younger workers. However when older workers are injured, it will be more severe and have a longer recovery time. Physical reasons why aging employees are at higher risk of injury:

  • Muscle strength: we lose about 4% of muscle strength each decade after age 25-30 - thus making older bodies more prone to slips and falls
  • Hearing and vision loss: as we age, hearing and vision diminish making aging employees less aware of their surroundings and more apt to injury

How do organizations help prevent injuries for their aging workforce?

  1. Wellness programs to aid injury prevention: help prevent strains, sprains, and falls by improving flexibility, strength, and balance. Great examples is starting a flex and stretch program, cover part of a gym membership, or hold exercise classes like yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi.
  2. Slip-and-fall injury prevention: ensure a safe working environment by maintaining parking lots and sidewalks; encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear for wet or slippery conditions; use handrails
  3. Ensure employees can meet the physical requirements of the job: consider a post-offer, pre-employment physical for new employees - be sure the physician covers medical history as it may reveal something not seen during the physical (the cost of the test would pay for itself when preventing a back or shoulder claim!)
  4. Ergonomics enhancement: ask employees for suggestions on how their job can be tweaked to avoid fatigue or soreness; consider job rotation for repetitive tasks (also promotes cross-training!)

Older workers are knowledgeable, experienced, and provide an abundance of value to any company. Keeping them happy and healthy will positively affect the entire organization. For more information on how healthy employees can affect your bottom line, ask Bill Katzfey about WellCompForLife.

Topics: Wellness, WellCompForLife