A new study appearing in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) focuses on the occupational safety issues and injuries which affect older workers. The study found that although the rates for all injuries and illnesses were similar or lower when compared to younger workers, older workers required a longer absence from work for recovery; in addition, the length of absence from work increased with age. Workers, aged 55 years or older represented 19 percent of the United States workforce in 2009 and that ratio continues to grow.
Older workers had higher rates of falls, fractures, and hip injuries when compared with younger workers. Based on employer data, an estimated 210,830 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses resulted in lost work days for older workers and 94 percent of these were acute traumatic injuries. Fractures, most often in the wrists, arms, feet, legs, fingers, and hips, accounted for 11 percent of all injuries for workers aged 55 years and older.
Workers often continue to work into their 60s and 70s because they can and want to, or, due to economic circumstances, they must. If an older person needs to continue working, it is important that they be able to continue working in a safe environment. For that reason. if contractors do not take the necessary steps to address the safety risks for older workers, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by their negligence.
The experienced New Jersey work injury lawyers at Blume Forte help injured workers pursue meritorious claims for injuries caused by the negligence of contractors and supervisors. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, we can help you protect your legal rights. For a no-cost consultation, call us at 973-845-4421.