Study Finds More Safety With Older Workers

As the number of people over age 55 increases in the workplace, so does overall workplace safety and productivity, according to a new study by an insurance firm risk control expert.

The paper by Ken Nogan, a consultant with PMA Insurance Group, also finds that when older workers do experience injuries, severity can be significant, which his paper advises is an issue that must be considered by safety professionals.

Because injuries to older adults tend to be of higher severity, U.S. companies should consider making workplace modifications that prevent injuries, the paper counsels.

Mr. Nogan's conclusions, in a white paper titled, “Capitalizing on an Aging Workforce,” can be viewed at www.pmagroup.com.

His study finds that since 1977, the number of people 65 and older in the workforce has increased more than 100 percent. In addition:

o It is estimated that workers in the age groups 65-74 and 75 and up will grow more dramatically than any other workforce age group–more than 80 percent.

o More than half of older workers are working full-time, up from 44 percent in 1995.

“Not surprisingly, as people age, their skills and faculties, including strength, range of motion, motor skills, sensory acuity and ability to heal, diminish,” Mr. Nogan wrote. “While this may suggest that older workers would have a negative effect on workplace productivity and safety, statistics prove otherwise.”

His paper says, “Studies show older workers have less absenteeism, greater job satisfaction and fewer on-the-job accidents because they tend to be more careful and more focused on the tasks they perform. They also have fewer overall injury claims than most other age groups.”

These findings lead to two conclusions, according to the paper: one, older workers are a benefit to the company that employs them and, two, it pays to make modifications to work environments to prevent injuries and limit the severity of injuries commonly sustained by older workers.

However, older workers were said to be a concern because of increased falls, increased fatality rates, longer healing times, greater overall severity of injuries and more severe musculoskeletal disorders.

The paper recommends that companies consider implementing risk control measures designed for the needs of older workers. Among the specific recommendations are:

o Prevent slips and falls by looking for accident trends and causes related to floor surfaces and walking surfaces; repair loose tiles and torn carpet; secure rugs that don't lay flat. Also, put two handrails on stairs with color-accented steps, minimize light glare and require shoes with good tread.

o Use task rotation to avoid ergonomic injuries. Conduct ergonomic evaluations of workstations and workspaces to identify causes of fatigue and strain.

o Focus on safe driving because drivers 55 and above are more likely than other drivers to have a crash at an intersection or when merging or changing lanes on a highway.

o Employ highly responsive return-to-work efforts for older workers who take longer to heal.