Older individuals comprise the fastest-growing age group in the United States. For the purposes of our review we identify these individuals as older than 50 years of age. Due to their good health and desire to remain active, or as a result of their financial circumstances, many individuals 50 years and older will choose or will need to remain employed.

The safety tips below are based on the results of a study BWC undertook in partnership with the University of Cincinnati. To provide you with as much information as possible, we will archive these tips and post new tips periodically. For more detailed safety tips, click on the link Accident prevention tips for older workers located on the Protecting older workers: A call to action page. BWC hopes you will check back for updated information.

Reaction time
As an individual ages reaction time frequently increases. Therefore, an older worker may not be able to react as rapidly to a hazardous situation, which may include operating certain types of machines, particularly if they are not familiar with the equipment.
Tips

• Encourage older workers to get a vision exam to identify any problems or the need for corrective lenses. Vision-based problems are very individual and an in-depth analysis of each worker situation can be helpful.
• Aging workers will need more light. It’s preferred to have nearly uniform lighting throughout the workplace. Design gradual transition zones between areas of low and high lighting.
• Place signage in places easily seen, and avoid distractions and cluttering.
• Minimize sources of background noise, such as machine and air conditioning. Avoid work environments and rooms that create echoes.
• Ensure equipment warning devices are loud, properly working and recognizable.

Balance
Balance is reduced in older individuals due to aging, development of medical conditions or the effect of medications used to treat other conditions such as high blood pressure. The rate and extent of such changes are variable among individuals. With aging, the physiological systems that play a key role in maintaining balance may become impaired (i.e., vision, muscle strength tone, inner ear sensing body orientation and nervous system providing feedback about position of body parts).
Tips

• Make sure all areas have good environmental lighting.
• Keep walking surfaces free of contaminants such as water, oil and ice.
• Provide handrails on inclines or stairs.
• Keep one hand on a handrail when carrying items up and down stairs and ramps.
• Wear slip-resistant and low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet.
• Maintain a regular exercise program.