Employees today are working later into their golden years than ever before, across numerous industries throughout the U.S. Despite this rising trend, there appears to be a lack of valuable information about how to best protect these workers from occupational hazards, and more organizations may need to reassess their risk management plan to address these issues.
Slips, trips and falls more prevalent
While data may be sparse, there is one new study that sheds some light on the problems faced by health care workers, especially those over the age of 65. Recently, the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare presented findings from a study aimed at common workplace injuries in this industry.
The study, released at the end of 2013, used data from past U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Ken Scott, MPH, and Lee Newman, MD, MA, FCCP and FACOEM, published their findings for the AOHP. Scott noted that the likelihood of a slip, trip or fall was much higher for health care workers over the age of 65, compared to those between the ages of 18 and 19. However, younger employees had a greater chance of being injured overall, either from handling objects or equipment or from overexertion.
"The healthcare workforce is aging, but occupational health professionals who work in healthcare are ill-prepared to protect this aging workforce," said Newman. "There haven't been many studies that have examined the relationships between age and occupational injury risks among healthcare workers."
Therefore, it may be wise for employers to analyze these risks to better control the costs of workers compensation insurance and other expenses.
Workplace injuries can be prevented
Even as the likelihood of a workplace fall, trip or slip rises the older employees get, there are still several steps a company could take to better prepare.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents can lead to lost work days, a decline in productivity and an increase in workers comp insurance claims. In order to mitigate risk, the first step is to identify the hazards. For example, one common problem in the health care industry is a spill. Water, grease and other fluids can wreak havoc on the floor, and the correct floor cleaning procedures have to be in place.
In addition, all employees should wear the proper shoes while on the job. Professions such as a nurse spend long hours on the move, and poor footwear can complicate problems. Slip-resistant shoes can also be ideal for food services, housekeeping and maintenance staff in a health care setting.
