2011 Governors Occupational Safety and Health Conference October 2011 Pam (Ferrante) Walaski, CSP,...

2011 Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference

October 2011Pam (Ferrante) Walaski, CSP, CHMM

President JC Safety & Environmental, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PAwww.jcsafety.com

Older Workers, Newer Thinking:Trends and Strategies

Where Do You Fit In?

“Conceptions of “who is old” vary greatly across historical periods, and by industrial sector. We found that in the IT sector that workers are considered old if they have children. Ballet dancers and professional athletes may be considered old in their twenties or thirties, airline pilots in their fifties, and Supreme Court Justices in their eighties.”

Victor Marshall, University of North Carolina

2 Copyright 2011 - JC Safety & Environmental, Inc.

Where Do You Fit In?

The American Age Discrimination Act uses 40 as an eligibility marker.

WHO and the National Advisory Council on Aging uses age 45.

You can join the AARP at age 50.


The Aging US Workforce

United States Workforce Aged 55+16.2% of workforce in 200519.1% in 201223% by 2050.

Between 1997-2007, employment of workers 65+ increased 101% (59% for employment of all ages)



55+ age group only one with an increase in labor participation rates since the late 1980s 30.3% - 1996 38% - 2006

40% of AARP members plan to work past 65 (or are already)



We used to encourage retirement as a means to make room for the Baby Boomers – now we need to encourage the Baby Boomers to keep working because we don’t have enough people to replace them.



Recent surveys indicate that 45% of HR professionals in private businesses feel that their workplaces are “just becoming aware” of issues related to the potential labor force shortages due to the retirement of Baby Boomers.

SHRM Survey2005



With retirement funds devastated, the “about to retire” population must revise their plans and continue working.The “lost decade” (2000-2010)Those who had no retirement

funds are in even worse shape.



The result:

Increase in older workers that are working because they have to - despite their health or injury status.


Older Workers = Questions from the Field

Are creating a “special class” of workers?Are we setting older workers up for

inadvertent discrimination?Will older workers reject our efforts? Do

they even “want” help?Have they learned ways to address the

issue on their own?Are we seeing the result of years of EH&S

programs that meet minimal benchmarks?


Aging is Normal

Need clarity that the changes we see are “normal” and affect us all.

Strategies/targeted initiatives benefit to all workers - none should cause harm/create more hazards for non-aging workers.

Efforts should invoke the traditional approach of anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control.Responding to a hazard/incident pattern as we

would to any other.


Aging is Normal

Good JudgmentAbility to adaptLong relationships with

employerYears of experienceSystem intelligenceAbility to plan for the

futureExperienced in making decisionsSentient knowledge


Visual Changes

Loss of elasticity of lens or lens yellows; more light required to see.

Lens hardens, ciliary muscles get weaker - eyes can’t change shape to focus as well or as quickly.


Visual Changes

Additional light needed to see creates more glare.

Harder to recover from glare.

Nighttime legibility distances for a 60 year old is 2/3s that of a 25 year old.

14Copyright 2011 - JC Safety & Environmental, Inc.

Visual Changes

Dynamic acuity (ability to see moving targets) reduced -

Contrast sensitivity reduced

Phototrophic acuity decreased (light to dark transitions)


Visual Changes

“Near point” gets further away - the closest an object can be and still in focus (presbyopia)

Age 20 = 4” Age 40 = 8.5”


Visual Changes

Higher rates of visual diseases such as macular degeneration,glaucoma and cataracts


Visual Changes

Color vision deficiency – the ability to perceive cooler colors (blues and greens)

is reduced.


Visual Changes

Increased risk of Computer Vision Syndrome -eyestrain, blurred distance or near vision, headaches, dry/red eyes, and double vision


Strategies and Solutions – Visual Changes

Raise the level of illumination Indirect ambient light (40-50 foot-

candles) Variety of table and desk lamps Task lighting Additional overhead lighting Soft white lights that limit glare



Provide consistent, even light levels

and gradual changes in light levels Avoid pools of light – tripping

hazard Uneven patterns produce shadows Transitions between outside/inside Use dimmers as often as possible



Eliminate glare Minimizes falls Increases

attention span Use focused task

lighting Provide safety

glasses with UV protection



Color and contrastHigh contrast enhances visual function

Light entryways and walls/dark doorjambs and thresholds

Edge of contrasting color on desk or edge of workstation countertop

Desktops and countertops should stand out from floor.

Critical machine parts – bright or contrasting colors



Improve visibility of stairs Most common place for falls,

especially first/last step. Traction tape or glow-in-the

dark tape Contrast step colors Handrails on both sides



For computer users: Avoid “bi-focal posture” Get computer glasses – better than

bifocals Reduce glare – location of stations, anti-

glare screens Adjust brightness and contrast settings –

same as work environment Pay attention to overall body posture

Screen should be 20-24” from eyes Top of screen at eye level



For computer users: Work should have contrast between letters and

background black on white is best aim for high contrast combinations avoid busy backgrounds and red font.

“3-Bs” – Blink, Breathe and Break 20/20/20 Rule (Every 20 minutes look 20 feet

away for 20 seconds) – relaxes the focusing muscle

Lighted copy stands


Auditory Changes

Presbycusis begins between age 35-40

Results in difficulty: tuning out background noises detecting simple, low intensity

sound locating the source of the sound discriminating sounds when

multiple noise sources are occurring.


Strategies and Solutions – Auditory Changes

Reduce overall level of noise and background noise with sound dampening products.

Maintenance of equipment and machinery Assure that alarms/warning devices have

both auditory and visual alarms. Assure that control panels use auditory and

visual alarms as well. Think about training programs – can

everyone hear? Add in visual clues


Strategies and Solutions – Auditory Changes

Implement a Hearing Conservation Program, even if not required

Mandatory annual audiograms Reduce your “internal PEL” to 80-85.


Physical Capabilities

Basic strength peaks at 30; declines thereafter.

Decline is more rapid after 60, regardless of our overall physical condition.



Muscle mass and elasticity

Bone mass and degeneration of the spinal structures

Control of posture stability

Balance and coordination

Ability to recover balance

Speed of movement

Ability to regulate body temperature



Skin aging – less effective/efficient chemical barrier

Metabolism changes - affects resistance to chemicals

Degenerative arthritis - reduced mobility and increased chronic discomfort

Reduced bone density – osteoporosisHeavy metal depository for bones



Shift work and overtime wreak havoc with older workers ability to recover Recession-based Retirement-fund based

Proper rest decreases risk for MSDs


Strategies and Solutions – Physical Capabilities

Provide opportunities for strength training –(on site gyms, fitness classes, morning stretches).

Encourage employees to participate in fitness programs off work.



Is that lift really necessary?Look at tasks that require long

reachesInstall chain actuators for valve hand

wheels, damper levers of other similar control devices

Reduce ladder tasks by installing shallow angle stairways in place of ladders for regular elevated access



Defeat worker fatigue by:

1. Color and decoration of work area2. Proper lighting3. Music4. Exercise5. Allow workers to control their environment

with regard to breaks and temperature6. More frequent, shorter breaks7. Nap rooms (what?)


Cognitive Changes

Most findings related to cognitive losses have occurred in laboratory settings.

Though the losses are real, we are not entirely sure how workers are affected in a real-life work setting.


Cognitive Changes

Regardless of the cognitive changes, there is no evidence that our innate intelligence deceases as we age!


Cognitive Changes

Short term memory is impairedLong term memory is reduced Decisions made more slowly, but

the quality is not affected Ability to learn new material or

skills slowsResponse time slows, especially

as the task gets more complexMulti-tasking is more difficult


Strategies and Solutions – Cognitive Changes

Make sure work areas and control panels are uncluttered

Look at task series and see if they can’t be lengthened or multi-tasking can’t be reduced

Increase decision-making timeMinimize memory load – use lists and

cheat sheets where possible



Older adults learn rely more on “crystallized intelligence” – knowledge of

the world through experiencing it - increases as we get older



Effective training:relates to past learning experiencesencompasses smaller pieces of informationprovides for opportunities to practice – in class and shortly after

returning to workutilizes frequent refreshersdon’t forget to address

any visual or auditory decrements



Use the “tribal knowledge” by having older workers become curriculum developers and co-trainers

Craft a mentoring program that uses older workers as primary trainers

Look for internal motivation to learnAudit your training program (not just

evaluations) Look for observational proof that they

retained the information


Areas of Impact

Normal physical/cognitive changes in abilities and decrements lead to:Higher fatality ratesIncrease in fallsHigher rates of CTDs/MSDsHigher severity ratesDiagnostic difficulties due to

co-morbidities


In the Workplace - Fatalities

Fatalities by Age Group

Percent of Total Percent of Workforce16-24 = 7.6% 13.6%25-34 = 15.7% 21.8%35-44 = 20.0% 21.7% 45-54 = 25.6% 23.4%55-64 = 18.6% 15.1%65+ = 12.0% 4.4%

Source: BLS Data 2009/2010


In the Workplace - Falls

60% of ladder falls occur to workers >44

Fatal Falls:

15 to 44 - >15 feet 45+ - >7 feet

38% of fall fatalities are from older workers



Fall – occurs when a slip or trip stops you from maintaining your center of mass over your base of support



“Conservative gait pattern” – shorter step and stride, reduced ankle ROM, reduced speed (shuffle walk)Due to increase composition of

body fat, declining muscle strength, musculoskeletal changes, and neurological changes


Strategies and Solutions – Falls

Housekeeping, housekeeping, and more housekeeping!!

Color contrast on ramps, surfaces, and stairs

Reduce your facility’s fall protection minimum height



Improve slip-resistance of flooring

Mandatory slip-resistance footwear

Evaluate floor treatments and cleaning practices



Balance exercise programs Provide balance flexibility Builds a strong core and improves lower body

strength Keeps the slips and trips from becoming falls.


In the Workplace – Ergonomics

Repetitive motion injury is the event with the highest median days away for all industries at 18.

Sprains and strains accounted for 39% of injuries requiring days away from work.45% of those injuries were from overexertion

Overexertion accounted for 48% of injuries to those in health-care related occupations.

BLS - 2009



Carpal tunnel surgery – 2nd most common musculoskeletal surgery (>225,000/year)

23% of patients return to their previous positions

57% failure rate



25.1% of injuries reported to BLS/OSHA from overexertion$13.4B in costsLifting, pushing, pulling, holding and

throwingMany go unreported in early stages

Symptoms go awayNormal aches and painsIncentive programs?


Strategies and Solutions - Ergonomics

Follow these basic concepts:

Adjust work surface heights – bring down or raise up

Change work area layouts Provide foot rests Pad sharp surfaces or tool handles Rotate jobs or shorten shifts Limit overtime Increase frequency of breaks



Consider the following evaluation tools to identify problem tasks/work areas:

Washington State Ergonomic ChecklistsRapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)NIOSH Lifting GuideSnook Push/Pull/Lift/Lower/Carry TablesRoger’s Fatigue Analysis



Static stretching:

Holding muscles/tendons in a still position for 15-30 seconds - usually done at the start of a shift or after lunch

Has not been proven to reduce injury if done prior to physical activity

American College of Sports Medicine recommends no static stretching prior to activity



Dynamic stretching:

Large active movements involving full ROM of joints

Uses body's natural reflexes to stretch opposite muscle groups

Lubricates jointsIncreases blood flow to the extremitiesAssists in preparing mind for work



Both Have a Place

Static stretching

beneficial for muscle repair moves toxins out of the body done at end of activity or periodically

throughout the day



Both Have a Place

Dynamic stretching

Beneficial to lubricate joints Increase blood flow to extremities Prepare the mind/body for work Done before activities and at beginning of

shift/after lunch/breaks


In the Workplace – Severe Injuries

Median Days Away from Work

20-24 = 525-24 = 635-44 = 9

45-54 = 10 55-64 = 12

65+ = 15

All Workers = 8

Source: 2008 BLS Data61 Copyright 2011 - JC Safety & Environmental, Inc.


Percentage of Days Away from Work Cases

Age Group % 11-20 Days % 21-30 Days % 31+ Days All Ages 11.7 6.8 26.0

16-24 11.4 10.3 14.3 25-34 11.5 6.2 20.9 35-44 11.5 7.0 27.6

45-54 11.6 7.4 30.1 55-64 12.3 7.6 32.9

65+ 13.2 8.3 35.6

Source: 2008 BLS Data



We have made great strides in the past 40 years at reducing injuries/illnesses

But do we have it backwards?In our efforts to reduce frequency, have we

neglected severity? With increase in costs and severity of injuries,

we must revisit our methods particularly as the older workers begin to

predominate our workforce


In the Workplace – Chronic Health Issues

133 million Americans have one or more chronic medical conditions

75% of all healthcare expenditures are for chronic medical conditions

60% of America adults are overweight or obese

By 2013 more than 1 out of 4 dollars for personal consumption will be for health care



1. Heart disease 910,000 people die each year

2. Cancer 1/3 from poor nutrition, no physical activity,

overweight/obesity3. Stroke

1 million disabilities per year4. Chronic Respiratory Disease (COPD)

51% report work limitations5. Diabetes

88 million disability days per year


Diabesity???

The Centers for Disease Control calls the increase an “epidemic”.

Prevalence rates have doubled from 1990-2005

24 million as of 2007 (increase of 2 million in just 2 years)

Pre-diabetes rates estimated at 57 million 8% of the total population; 25% of those

60+


1998

Increase in Obesity

2007

1990

No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%



At onset of medical condition for workers between 51-60:~25% left their jobs~25% stopped working~50% stayed at current jobs

Of those who stayed accommodations were made for 29% of men and 37% of womenExamples – alteration/assistance with job

duties, change in schedule, shorter work day, more breaks



Co-morbidities:Makes diagnosis more

difficultHarder to determine

work-relatednessMakes actual treatment

more complex and difficult

Slow down the natural healing process



Employees will adapt to subtle changes in their health and capacity – sometimes without anyone noticing until….. a serious injury or illness occurs

Sometimes the adaptations are healthy and beneficial, sometimes they are simply dangerous shortcuts


Strategies and Solutions Chronic Health Issues

Despite the efforts of health prevention and health promotion – the health status of our population has not improved

Wellness programs need to focus on prevention and disease management

Copyright 2011 - JC Safety & Environmental, Inc.72


Strong functional job descriptions that enable realistic evaluations by medical professionals

Functional capacity evaluations tie it together

Employers need both to begin to identify potential and reasonable accommodations



If there are options, injured/ill workers are less likely to force themselves to come back to their previous position/hoursMigrate to less demanding jobsProvide options to acquire new skills“Red circle” a pay gradeMore flexible work schedules/hours, bridge

employment, transitional opportunities


2011 Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference

October 2011Pam (Ferrante) Walaski, CSP, CHMM

President JC Safety & Environmental, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PAwww.jcsafety.com

Older Workers, Newer Thinking:Trends and Strategies

2011 Governors Occupational Safety and Health Conference October 2011 Pam (Ferrante) Walaski, CSP,...

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