Design safe workplaces for aging workers

It is estimated that by 2014, the 55-and-older age group will make up 21% of the workforce. With fewer employees to take their place, more workers are working past the usual age of retirement. Sometimes it is a matter of finances that keep employees at the bench. To accommodate these changing dynamics, laboratories should design a safe workplace for aging workers.

So what can be done to make it easier for these older, experienced employees to remain on the job? Lighting is a big issue. As the eyes age, they need more light to see what was once an easy read. A 50-year-old person needs two to three times the amount of light in their work space compared to someone half his or her age. Eliminating glare helps, as does providing consistent, even light levels.

Adding color contrast also helps. Signs should use primary colors such as blue, green, etc. Pastels often cannot be discerned by older employees. Using 14 point or larger font in e-mails is also helpful. 

To avoid falls, skid-resistant floors that have some cushioning are helpful. Eliminating clutter, reducing noise, and allowing frequent breaks to allow aging workers more time to recover and additional hydration are also necessary to make the older worker more productive.