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Are elderly workers more likely to sustain workplace injuries?

On Behalf of | Nov 24, 2017 | workplace injuries

California residents may continue working for a number of reasons-some may enjoy their work while others may need to keep working because of economic difficulties. Given the current economic trend, more and more elderly people find that they have to keep working to make ends meet. Following the trend, the retirement age for people across the nation has gone past 65 years of age, which means a number of elderly people are working at a time when they are mentally and physically not as able as their counterparts. This could be the reason why there is a higher fatality rate in elderly workers than in younger people.

According to one study, even though the fatality rate has decreased over time, the rate of fatal accidents for workers over the age of 55 continues to remain high, in fact, it is higher than the average population. Where fatalities decreased by 22 percent between 2006 and 2015, the rate of fatal accidents was 50 percent to 65 percent higher for older workers during the same period.

The number of older workers has also increased in the workforce-it has increased 37 percent compared to the six percent rise in the working population overall. In fact, some experts suggest that by 2024, older workers will account for 25 percent of the working market, as life expectancy increases and a secure retirement becomes more and more elusive.

Given their age, a workplace accident could be more harmful for older workers. With worsening vision and impaired hearing, elderly workers are more likely to get injured and, because of their age, are more likely to be severely injured and will take longer to recuperate. It is an employer’s duty to have a safe working environment for all workers, regardless of their age. If employer’s fail to provide a safe working environment and someone sustains a workplace injury, the victim may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.

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