Older Workers Facing More Workplace Accidents

Fewer and fewer people in the United States can afford to retire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census for Fatal Occupational Injuries gathers annual statistics from the American Community Survey which compiles data relevant to the American workforce. They have found a 37 percent increase in workers who are 55 and over, while the total labor population has only grown by six percent. Unfortunately, the increase in the over 55 labor population, also comes along with a rising death toll for the older workers.

The Consequences of Not Being Able to Retire

The same statistics have also revealed that older workers are more likely to die in a work-related accident than all other laborers. In 2015, an estimated 35 percent of accidents in the work place included a death of an employee over the age of 55. In contrast, the statistics reveal that while older employees are more likely to be involved in a fatal work place accident, overall fatalities have decreased.

2006: 5480 work place fatality rate for all laborers.
2015: 4836 work related deaths, resulting in a 22 percent drop in work related fatalities.
2006-2015: the fatality rates among workers over the age of 55 varied from 50 to 65 percent throughout the study.
1681 work related deaths among older workers in 2015.

The study also examined the circumstances of work-related fatalities of workers and how often they happened during 2011 and 2015. The census stated that deaths connected with the employee falling rose by 20 percent. Deaths connected to work related to tools and equipment increased by 17 percent and transportation fatalities climbed by 15 percent.

Why Are Workers Over 55 more Susceptible to Injury at Work?

Medical professionals believe the aging process may contribute to the risk of dying at work. The body experiences changes during the aging that make the person more susceptible to a work related accident. The damage to the body may be more severe, resulting in a higher number of work related fatalities. Older workers may suffer from chronic illnesses, slowing reflexes, sight or hearing loss and mobility issues that put them in danger of a work place accident or fatality.

It's clear that the rising cost of living in the United States is forcing older people to put off retirement as long as possible. The consequences of this reality is that these elders are also at risk of a serious, even fatal work place accident.

Were you or a loved one injured while working?

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