What are you doing to keep older workers safe? Many employers don’t take the proper precautions to ensure the 50+ demographic can perform their duties without risk. If this is the case at your business, it could lead to higher workers’ compensation insurance costs and other expenses.
With that in mind, companies should take necessary precautions to protect all employees. A risk assessment with Amerisure can identify potential issues that should be addressed. One of Amerisure’s risk management consultants will assist you in correcting these issues – whether it’s developing a more formalized risk management plan; or offering health and wellness incentives. Regardless of the method, a lack of focus and implementation could lead to numerous problems.
Older workers are susceptible to more, different injuries
Regardless of industry, employees are at risk for the same type of injuries. However, once a person reaches age 50, there is a chance they could experience different problems.
Common ailments for all workers include open wounds on the fingers; sprains to the back, neck and leg; and face, scalp or neck contusions. However, the frequency of certain injuries can change depending on age. For workers over the age of 50, some of the most common injuries include lumbar region sprains; open wounds on the finger; arm or shoulder sprains; and neck sprains.
How to improve safety
Given the increased likelihood of an injury for older workers, employers should take special care to keep them safe while on the job. This can be achieved in several ways.
First, make sure older employees are performing tasks that fit their abilities. This way, they can perform their jobs well, and the chance of injury decreases. As an overall preventative measure, work sites should also be free of hazards. An Amerisure risk assessment can identify potential hazards that face older and younger workers.
Above all, employers should have in-depth training programs for workers of all ages. Keeping older employees up-to-date with trends and safety measures will help everyone. Just because workers have been in the industry for a long time, doesn’t mean they don’t need a refresher course on safety.
Talk to one of our Partners For Success® agencies today to schedule a risk assessment and learn how Amerisure can help implement safety programs for workers of all ages.
