Modify Workplace Safety for An Older Labor Force

The American Society of Safety Engineers has just issued a report on the topic of workplace safety for older workers.

The baby boom generation is aging and approaching retirement age, and there is not a sufficient number of younger workers to fill the positions baby boomers will vacate. This means employers will be retaining older workers longer. Although older workers have high productivity and better safety records that younger workers, they do have different needs than the young. The report points out that changes such as the following will improve older worker health and safety:

• Improve illumination, add color contrast.
• Eliminate heavy lifts, elevated work from ladders and long reaches.
• Design work floors and platforms with smooth and solid decking while still allowing some cushioning.
• Reduce static standing time.
• Remove clutter from control panels and computer screens and use large video displays.
• Reduce noise levels.

These, and other suggestions on the ASSE list, not only improve safety for older workers, they improve health and safety for all workers. Use the link above to read the complete press release from the ASSE.