Abstract
BackgroundAge may affect one’s susceptibility to the myriad physical hazards that may pose risks for work-related injuries. Aging workers are not only at risk for work-related injuries but, also, at even higher risk for more severe health and work-related consequences. However, limited longitudinal research efforts have focused on such injuries among the aging workforce. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical work-related factors and injuries among United States (U.S.) workers, and then compare the injured and uninjured workers with regard to consequences including, functional limitations, and reduced working hours post injury. A cohort of 7212 U.S. workers aged 50 years and above from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study were retrospectively followed from 2004 to 2014. Data on exposures were lagged by one survey wave prior to the outcome of work-related injuries and consequences, respectively. Crude and adjusted incident rate ratios, and hazard ratios were estimated using generalized estimating equations and Cox models.ResultsRisk of experiencing a work-related injury event was over two times greater among those whose job had work requirements for physical effort, lifting heavy loads, and stooping/kneeling/crouching, compared to those who did not. Over time, injured compared to uninjured workers had higher risks of functional limitations and working reduced hours.ConclusionsThe aging workforce is at a high risk of experiencing injuries. Further, injured adults were not only more likely to incur a disability prohibiting daily life-related activities, over time, but, also, were more likely to work reduced hours. It will be important to consider accommodations to minimize functional limitations that may impair resulting productivity.
Highlights
Age may affect one’s susceptibility to the myriad physical hazards that may pose risks for workrelated injuries
There is a need to address the potential risks for injuries among aging workers
The data for this study were obtained from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally-representative panel study of aging U.S adults
Summary
Age may affect one’s susceptibility to the myriad physical hazards that may pose risks for workrelated injuries. Aging workers are at risk for work-related injuries but, at even higher risk for more severe health and work-related consequences. Limited longitudinal research efforts have focused on such injuries among the aging workforce. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical work-related factors and injuries among United States (U.S.) workers, and compare the injured and uninjured workers with regard to consequences including, functional limitations, and reduced working hours post injury. Work and hazards related to work may result in work-related injuries and compromise the health and safety of workers (Schulte et al, 2012). Several factors play an important role in affecting the overall health and safety of a worker, including age.
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