Why Older Workers Are So at Risk at Work
For the past few months, the overwhelming fear for the elderly has been the coronavirus. Elderly workers stay home out of fear of catching the disease, and those who still work are wearing masks and other protective gear.
But we must remember that while the coronavirus is dangerous, it is far from the only risk which elderly workers face. Statistics within the United Kingdom and United States shows that while elderly workers are not more likely to get injured compared to younger workers, the same accident is more likely to prove fatal for an elderly worker. As our workforce continues to age, businesses must understand what the greatest injury risks are while also not needlessly discriminating against those who continue to excel at their positions.
The Biggest Risks
There are a few reasons why elderly worker injuries are more likely to be fatal. Elderly workers are generally more careful which lets them avoid some accidents which a less experienced worker may suffer from. However, their muscles and bones are not as strong, and their reaction times are often slower.
This means that elderly workers can be severely injured from an incident which would only slightly harm a younger worker. Falls are a major example. In the United States, the National Council on Aging states that “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.” Falls are more serious in part due to a weaker musculoskeletal structure.
Another potential concern is overexertion in the workplace. Elderly workers have longer recovery times. If they are required to do extended periods of manual labor, then they will need regular breaks to recover their body and their mind to lessen the chances of mistakes and injury. Even in an office environment, sitting at a desk for 8 to 10 hours straight can create carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries. White-collar environments should encourage employees to regularly get up and move.
Avoiding Discrimination
While older workers face certain additional risks compared to younger workers, there are some risks which do not apply that people think apply. If a business uses incorrect data, it can end up discriminating against the elderly and face a potential lawsuit.
A major example is the fear that elderly workers are at risk of dementia or otherwise going senile. But dementia for workers under 70 is rare though not unheard of. More importantly, the Alzheimer’s Society states that “People living with dementia are protected from discrimination under The Equality Act 2010 in England, Scotland and Wales.” While a person with dementia may choose to leave their position if he feels he cannot keep up with his responsibilities, a workplace cannot simply fire a worker upon learning that he has the condition.
The reality is that every workplace will continue to gray as the population ages. Instead of trying to limit elderly workers, employers should be seeking to use their talents, their experience, and their knowledge. Elderly employees can be useful whether they are in their current positions or even helping the next generation learn how to handle things.
Different elderly employees will have different reactions to aging. Some will ask for less physically demanding positions. Others will claim that they can still handle their past workload, and will be insulted if you suggest that they move into a less physically demanding position.
The most important thing to avoid discrimination and injuries is to regularly communicate with employees. Ask whether a job might be becoming too physically demanding rather than just assuming that it is, and reassigning said employee elsewhere. Give all workers more opportunities to learn about health and safety. While elderly employees face some increased risk, that is no reason to overreact and assume they can do nothing but office work.
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