Protecting the Rights
of Injury Victims

Thomas DeLattre and Glen D. Wieland

Age and abilities can impact injury risk in the workplace

On Behalf of | Jun 12, 2023 | Workers' Compensation |

Florida workplaces are changing. Older people who might have retired are staying on the job. This combines with greater life expectancy to impact how employers need to prepare. A primary concern is worker safety and injuries that might occur.

Worker demographics can play a role in workplace safety

Statistically, the age range and employee longevity are changing radically. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that around 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries happened in the private sector in 2021.

According to researchers, workers who are relatively young and inexperienced in the age range of 16 to 19 have a greater chance of being hurt by colliding with equipment and objects. Workers from 15 to 24 were more vulnerable to work injuries than those 25 to 44.

Older workers from 55 to 64 had specific types of injuries they suffered from, particularly due to slipping and falling. Importantly, older workers are injured less often overall, but the injuries they do suffer cost more to treat and with lost time on the job.

Regarding gender, men have more of a chance of suffering work injuries than women do. These issues should not be ignored when creating a safe workplace. It is also key to understand demographics when injuries happen and workers’ comp claims are filed.

Workplace injuries can happen to anyone

While workplace dangers and injuries are frequently assessed, the underlying reality is that accidents can happen at any moment regardless of age and gender. As times change and the landscape is analyzed, it shows who is suffering from injuries on the job in the current climate. Accidents can happen in any type of job and knowing how to cover for all that was lost is essential regardless of age, gender or any other factor.

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