By implementing proactive safety measures and providing suitable support, employers can ensure that older workers can continue to work safely and productively.
The Health and Safety Challenges Faced by Older Workers
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): MSDs are the most common work-related illness among older workers, and they can be caused by repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and exposure to vibration.
- Hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss can make it challenging for older workers to hear instructions, warnings, and alarms, which can increase their risk of accidents.
- Vision problems: Age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia and cataracts, can make it difficult for older workers to see clearly, which can increase their risk of falls and other injuries.
- Chronic health conditions: Older workers are more likely to have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks in a safe manner.
Implementing Effective Health and Safety Strategies for Older Workers
Employers can implement different strategies to protect the health and safety of older workers, including:
Conduct risk assessments: Regularly assess the workplace for hazards that may be particularly dangerous for older workers, such as slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and noise.
Provide training and education: Provide training on how to identify and avoid workplace hazards, as well as how to use equipment safely.
Implement ergonomic principles: Design workstations and tasks to minimise physical strain and accommodate age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance.
Offer flexible work arrangements: Allow older workers to take breaks when needed and provide flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to accommodate their health needs.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle among older workers by providing access to healthy food choices, promoting physical activity, and offering wellness programs.
Monitor health conditions: Encourage older workers to get regular checkups and to report any health concerns to their employer so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
Provide mental health support: Recognise that older workers may be more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and depression, and provide access to mental health support services.
Foster a supportive work environment: Create a supportive work environment where older workers feel valued and respected, and where they are comfortable reporting concerns about their health and safety.
Older workers can also take steps to protect their own health and safety by staying active, eating healthy, getting regular checkups, and reporting any concerns to their employer. By working together, employers and older workers can create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
The iProtectU health and safety software provides:
- An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report
- eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics, including vulnerable workers’ safety
- Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance
- Risk assessment templates covering vulnerable workers
- Management system to document control the policy on vulnerable workers
- Method Statement module for the creation of working instructions
- Legal register that provides legislation guidance on vulnerable workers
- Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving, both with an app and via desktop
- Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding vulnerable workers to the organisation
- Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software
