OSHA Reports Health and Safety Tips for Older Workers from Leading Experts

Feb. 7, 2010 - PRLog -- From 1997 to 2007, employment of workers 65 and older jumped by 101 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That compares to an increase of just 59 percent in overall employment. By 2025, the proportion of older (over 55) workers
is expected to reach 20 percent. These employees are experienced, loyal, and they know your company culture. Many employers are finding that accommodating an aging workforce is smart business. That’s because they’re eliminating hazards that can impede employees of all ages.  What Gold Watch?! The days of retiring at age 62 or so are over for many, says Ken Nogan, a Certified Safety Professional and professional risk manager for the PMA Insurance Group. Instead of playing golf and gardening, many older Americans are at work. “Not surprisingly,” says Nogan, “as people age, their skills and faculties, including strength, range of motion, motor skills, sensory acuity, and ability to heal, diminish.” While it seems these changes may have a negative effect on productivity and safety, statistics tell a different story. BLS data suggest that productivity increases when there is a higher percentage of workers over 55. “As for safety, there are also favorable indictors, including a decline in accident frequency, within the older demographic,” Nogan adds. Also positive is the experience those over 55 bring to the job. They are absent less, have greater job satisfaction, and fewer workplace accidents than most other age groups. That’s because they are careful and focused. Older workers who are injured, however, may experience more severe injuries and may be slower to recover than their younger counterparts.

Focus on Prevention

Nogan applauds the focus on prevention and urges other employers to do the same by addressing risks, including the following:


SLIPS AND FALLS

Falls account for more than a third of all injuries sustained by workers 65 and above. BLS
estimates that an older worker can take two-to-three times longer to recover from an injury than a younger employee. This can add considerably to the cost of a claim. Nogan advises
employers to promptly investigate every slip and fall incident. Keep written records and look for trends related to floor surfaces, day of week, time of day, location, and weather conditions. Use these data to plan interventions. Also, regularly inspect walking surfaces
for condition and maintenance. Repair unstable surfaces (like loose tiles or torn carpet), and secure mats, rugs, or carpets that do not lie flat. Provide adequate clearances for
doors, walkways, and aisles. Keep floors clean and dry and post warning signs if surfaces appear hazardous. Stairways should have handrails, and risers should be 7-12 inches high. A contrasting color can help identify steps. Enhance visibility by reviewing the facility and grounds to determine if lighting is adequate. Quickly clean up any spills and post proper signage to indicate drying floors. Ergonomics. Regularly evaluating workstations and workspaces can help eliminate conditions that lead to employee fatigue and discomfort.

Shoulders, wrists, and backs are the areas of the body with the highest musculoskeletal claim severity in older workers. Strive to eliminate repetitive work performed in nonneutral
positions as well as heavy lifting, trunk rotation, or excessive forward bending. Use of material-handling devices can help reduce strain. Task rotation. When used in combination
with other risk control efforts, rotating workers among tasks can help reduce risks. It is especially helpful in reducing the strain of repeated motions and static standing.
Also, make sure that the tasks performed in rotation affect different body parts and vary the tasks by degree of intensity required. Ask for worker feedback and consider making
changes if the rotation is not alleviating fatigue or discomfort. Results are likely to improve when workers are involved in a job rotation program.


GETTING PHYSICAL

Suzanne Andrews is a Florida-based occupational therapy practitioner and principal of Health Wise Exercise, a workplace wellness business. She also hosts the syndicated PBS program Functional Fitness and has formulated a doctor reviewed and recommended Functional Fitness Better Balance DVD.  Andrews, who treats an increasing
number of older workers who have experienced falls, is concerned about what’s known as the “disuse syndrome.” “One in five deaths of people over the age of 35 is attributed
to living a sedentary lifestyle.” Andrews believes many chronic diseases are related to inactivity, poor eating habits, and stress. The disuse syndrome is characterized by symptoms ranging from cardiovascular disease to obesity, muscle weakness,
depression, and increased fall risk. But the good news, Andrews says, is that “we don’t have to be young to get stronger, healthier, and more flexible. We lose ability because we stop moving and the good news is we can gain it back.” Functional fitness is enhanced
by losing weight, improving balance, and learning correct lifting techniques. Andrews concurs with Ken Nogan about the importance of fall prevention, and reminds employers not to forget restrooms, where falls are common. Provide grab bars and consider
a high-rise toilet, which eases the sit-to-stand transition for those with reduced mobility.
Employers can also reduce risk for older workers by emphasizing overall health, wellness, and injury prevention. With over 600 muscles in the body, anti-aging training can enhance
health and prevent problems like falls, says Andrews. “With continued practice, employees participating in a wellness program three to five times a week will increase stability, and develop strength for youthful, functional balance.”

EXERCISE HELPS:
• Reduce the chance of heart disease.
• Improve the likelihood of surviving
a heart attack.
• Increase muscle strength.
• Improve immune system functioning.
• Manage stress and improve
productivity at work.
• Contribute to weight loss.
• Decrease the risk of injury.
• Improve bone density.
• Increase levels of “good” cholesterol.

Andrews says employers who want to improve health and wellness for older
workers should follow best practices like these:

• Eliminate eye strain caused by poor task lighting or improper monitor height.

• Encourage employees to take regular stretch breaks. Slouching with the neck forward can offset balance and lead to spinal problems.

• Promote strength training as part of an overall wellness program. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to a loss of power over time. Andrews points to a university study that
found that older women can increase strength as much as younger women.

• Target obesity. Being overweight puts a great deal of extra pressure on the joints and can add risk to activities like walking stairs.

• Promote vacations. Too much stress and not enough time off are unhealthy for older workers as well as for their younger colleagues.
Andrews also recommends that people develop the most ignored but vital ability to function. "  Incorporating a balance workout program can save both the employer and employee money, time and stress". Functional Fitness Better Balance DVD is available at
http://www.healthwiseexercise.com/shop/cart.php?target=pr... or by calling 1-877-523-4848

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Host of Functional Fitness on PBS TV and occupational therapy practitioner, Suzanne Andrews specializes in increasing your ability to live better, longer and healthier regardless of your age or ability level.