NEW research from New Zealand suggests more should be done to keep seniors safe on the job as they work for longer.
The study by researchers from The University of Otago found almost one-fifth of workplace injuries occur in those over the age of 55.
The research team, with funding assistance from the Dunedin School of Medicine Dean's Bequest Fund, studied the frequency, nature and cause of workplace related injuries in older New Zealanders.
Associate Professor Chris Jaye said findings, which were published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, revealed an increasing number of people were working beyond retirement age these days.
He said the number of older workers was predicted to double by 2036, which could result in more accidents.
"Employers and policy makers need to consider the impact of work activities on older workers while continuing to value their productivity," he said.
"This means taking into account risks related to age-related impairments such as declining vision, hearing, physical capability and balance."
Professor Jaye said workplaces would need to take even more care to identify hazards and to take into account risks related to age related impairments such as declining vision, hearing, physical capacity and balance.
"This might include re-designing workplaces to meet the needs of older workers and worker training and health promotion in the workplace," he said.
The study also found just over one in five successful claims lodged for traumatic work injuries were being made by people aged 55-79 years.
Highest claim rates were amongst males, but claims of both males and females rose steadily with age and were highest in the oldest group of workers- aged 70-79.
