Older Workers Are on the Rise—Here’s How to Keep Them Safe and Thriving
As the number of older workers in the United States keeps climbing, safety pros and researchers are brainstorming ways to ensure that these seasoned employees stay safe and effective on the job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the proportion of workers aged 55 and older was 19% in 2010. Fast forward to 2020, and that number jumped to 24%, with projections showing it could reach nearly 25% by 2024. That’s a significant shift, and it’s not slowing down.
So, what’s driving this surge of older workers? Jim Grosch, a research psychologist and co-director of the NIOSH Center for Productive Aging and Work, points to a mix of longer life expectancy and financial factors. “The aging population is growing, and many people over 55 are still working, partly due to changes in pensions and financial necessity,” Grosch explains.
A study from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) found that older construction workers might be hesitant to transition to less physically demanding jobs, fearing a cut in income or reduced access to benefits like health and pensions.
The Value (and Risks) of Experience
Dave Ferrara, construction director at the Maryland Transportation Administration, appreciates the “institutional knowledge” that older workers bring to the table. He notes that in construction, roles often evolve as physical abilities decline, but safety remains the top priority. For instance, if an older worker can’t tackle the physical demands of climbing a bridge tower, they might be reassigned to less strenuous tasks.
“They definitely work smarter,” Ferrara says. “They don’t get injured as often as younger workers, but when they do, recovery takes longer.”
Injury and Recovery Challenges
Ferrara’s observations align with the data. The BLS 2022 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses shows that among construction workers, median days away from work were 20 for the 45-54 age group, 22 for workers 55 to 64, and 37 for those 65 and older. Across all industries, the median days away were 12, 14, and 16, respectively, compared to 9 days for all workers.
Grosch points out, “It’s the natural physical changes with age that make recovery more challenging.”
Older workers, especially those between 45 and 54, experience musculoskeletal disorders at a rate of about 38.5 per 10,000 full-time workers—higher than any other age group. These workers are also more prone to trunk, back, shoulder, and knee injuries. Meanwhile, younger workers tend to suffer more head and hand injuries.
The Rising Risk of Fatal Falls
The risk of fatal falls increases with age, too. According to the 2022 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, workers aged 20-24 accounted for 7.5% of fatal falls. This rate rises significantly with age:
- 45-54: 17.6%
- 55-64: 21.3%
- 65 and older: 28.1%
As the workforce ages, the push for tailored safety measures and strategies is becoming more critical. It’s not just about keeping older workers on the job—it’s about making sure they thrive while staying safe.
