Older Population and Ergonomics

Older Population/Ergonomics

To succeed in the competitive world, organizations have to keep up with trends and follow all government regulations. For example, they have to recognize the importance of demographic trends and the laws regarding disabled employees.

Now that the population is graying, companies may need to keep on or hire new older employees. One of the most important things is to break the myths about this generation. Studies by the Health and Safety Executive (website) show that a large number of these older individuals want to continue working past 65, and that they are very productive. Most of the physical differences between younger and older workers are not significant, although there is a significant increase for males and all persons for "Twisting or stooping when lifting or moving heavy loads." On the other hand, there are significant decreases in the rate of older workers compared to younger workers for males and all persons in "Using appreciable force" and "Lifting or moving heavy loads." report by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (website) states that despite the fact that natural ageing does result in physiological change that impacts work ability especially in motor and visual bodily systems, cognition is not significantly impaired in the age ranges that span working life. Performance variability within a specific age group far exceeds the performance change occurring with ageing. In addition, older workers frequently have accumulated experience or learned strategies that may be valuable in contributing to business success. Studies do not support the myth that work performance declines with age. Older workers are noted to perform generally more consistently and to deliver higher quality, matching the performance of younger colleagues.

According to Health and Safety Executive, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 regulations give employees protection against discrimination due to age. The laws also introduce a default national retirement age of 65. Employees have the right to work beyond that age. This does not mean a company should discriminate in favour of older workers. Older people are no different from young people at work. They want to start work on a sound footing, be developed and trained throughout their career and have flexibility in the hours they work and the kind of work they do.

However, there are simple there are often simple measures that can improve the functioning and productivity of all ages. These measures can be equally beneficial for workers of all ages. For example, with suitable and sufficient lighting, the HSE regulations state that lighting in the workplace should as far is possible be natural. The regulations comment on excessive light and glare, the need to light stairs, and the arrangement of artificial lighting so as to avoid discomfort. Suitable and sufficient emergency lighting is also a requirement.

Disabled employees are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to working conditions to ensure that disabled people are not treated less favourably than other employees. The HSE regulations 2002 require employers to ensure that doors, passageways, stairs, lavatories and workstations are suitably arranged for disabled workers' needs.

In order to ensure that work sites will be suited for employees of all ages and special needs, the role of the Planning Supervisor was created under the Construction Regulations 1994 to monitor and improve Health & Safety issues related to building and construction works. This is an important role, since it focuses solely on health and safety needs when buildings are being designed or renovated (UKBS website).

The population changes will also impact society as a whole and it will be just as important to build homes and other facilities to prepare for individuals as they age. For example, most stair accidents occur in the home. Webber (1985) carried out an analysis of fatal falls on stairs and steps for England and Wales. Of the 652 deaths on stairs or steps, 560 occurred in the home, 37 in public buildings, 27 in residential institutions and 4 in industrial premises. Nearly 70% of the fatal falls on stairs and steps involved elderly people, aged 65 years and over. Within this age group twice as many involved fatalities of women as men.