Older Workers & Aging on the Job
Experienced workers bring skill and judgment that crews depend on. Bodies change with age, though: older workers get hurt less often than new workers, but when they do, injuries tend to be more serious and take longer to heal. Small adjustments keep experienced people working safely for longer.
- Construction
- General Industry
What changes with age
| Change | Why it matters on the job |
|---|---|
| Balance and reaction time | Falls from ladders and on the same level are more likely and more serious |
| Muscle strength and flexibility | Heavy lifting and awkward postures strain backs and shoulders |
| Vision, especially in low light and glare | Harder to see trip hazards, edges and moving equipment at dawn, dusk and night |
| Hearing | Backup alarms and shouted warnings may be missed |
| Heat tolerance | Higher risk of heat illness, especially with some medicines |
| Recovery time | Fatigue builds over long weeks; injuries heal more slowly |
Working smarter
- Use lifts, carts, hoists and team lifts instead of carrying heavy loads. See Safe Lifting.
- Choose aerial lifts or scaffolds over ladders when you can. See Ladder Basics.
- Ask for better lighting in work areas and stairways.
- Get your eyes and hearing checked regularly, and wear the glasses you need. Prescription safety glasses are available.
- Stay strong with regular exercise and balance training; warm up before heavy work.
- Drink water and take rest breaks in heat; ask your doctor whether your medicines affect heat tolerance. See Heat Illness.
- Report aches and near misses early instead of working through them.
Pass it on
Experienced workers are often the best safety teachers on a crew. Mentoring new workers spreads hard-won knowledge and can shift your own work toward planning, training and inspection. See Mentoring New Workers.
Check-in list
- Eye exam in the last year or two
- Hearing test, and hearing protection that fits
- Medicines reviewed for drowsiness or heat effects
- Lifting aids and good lighting available for my tasks
- Boots with good tread and support
Your rights: the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers 40 and older from discrimination in hiring, firing, pay and assignments at employers with 20 or more employees. Many states protect workers at smaller employers too. See Discrimination & Harassment.
Standards & references
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