Older Workers’ Risk of Injuries is on the Rise

May 2011

Injuries among working Americans over age 55 have increased 5% since 2003, according to federal health officials. Recent reports found that 17% of Americans in that age group have suffered from a work-related injury – totaling 210,830 injuries and illnesses in 2009 alone.

Although older workers remain in the same work conditions as younger workers, they are more susceptible to certain types of injuries, such as fractures to ankles, arms, feet, legs, fingers, and hips as a result of falling in the workplace. Statistics show that 94% of non-fatal injuries among workers age 55 older are the result of trauma with chronic injuries, including back pain and illnesses accounting for the remaining injuries.

A study conducted by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that older men injured on the job typically miss work for 14 days following an injury, compared to nine days on average for women in the same age group.

The CDC recommends that both employees and employers take action to reduce injuries in the workplace. Removing tripping hazards and installing slip-resistant floors can improve the safety for all workers.