Different individuals age at different rates, but most importantly, studies show that with regular exercise, physical capacity can remain relatively unchanged between the ages of 45 and 65.
Below is some information on how the body ages, and how these changes can easily be managed in the workplace through an effective occupational health and safety policy and practices.
|
Body changes |
Possible effect on worker |
Safety measures include |
|
Muscle strength: Reduces to about 80% strength of 30-year olds in 51- to 55-year olds. |
Pushing/pulling may be less powerful. Reduced endurance. |
Reduce physical loads by using lifting machinery.
Consider 'ergonomically designed' tools to reduce muscular exertion. |
|
Bone density: May decrease with age – cartilage, the padding between bones, deteriorates, which may lead to bone damage in the joints. |
Workplace slips and falls are more likely to result in a fracture and squatting and bending forward may be more difficult. |
Ensure flooring is flat and unobstructed. |
|
Tissues: Tend to become a little less flexible as we age. |
Over-reaching is more likely to result in strains and muscular injuries. |
Reduce extreme posture and limb positions, for example reaching over shoulder height may be more difficult, so heavy and frequently used items should be placed closer to the workstation. |
|
Cardiovascular capacity: Declines with age, lessening blood flow to the skin, and the capacity to work in the heat. |
May affect the ability to do heavy physical labour.
|
Reduce need to carry items by providing trolleys/lifting machinery.
Consider 'ergonomically designed' tools to reduce muscular exertion. |
|
Eyesight: May begin to change around the age of 40, resulting, for example, in long-sightedness. |
Ability to do detailed tasks may be affected, as may be the ability to read printed material, dials and screens within arm’s length. There is also often an increased sensitivity to glare. |
Ensure adequate lighting levels for nature of work. Encourage eye checkups to get corrective lenses.
Important signs need to have large print and contrasting colours. |
|
Hearing: Ability to hear and distinguish one kind of sound from another, especially high-pitched sounds decreases with age. |
Workers may experience difficulty locating the source of sounds, which could reduce the ability to hear alarms and other work-related signals, as well as verbal instructions. |
Ensure hearing protectors are provided where necessary.
Ensure background noises are low enough for staff to hear alarms and verbal instructions. |
For further information on age related physical and mental changes, and what employers can do in the workplace, please refer to the Safe and healthy: A guide to managing an aging workforce 
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