Transportation organizations have noted a trend in highway accidents: though adults over age 65 account for only about 8% of total highway miles driven, they account for 17% of fatalities.
While multiple factors contribute to these numbers, it’s important to remember that an aging population presents specific safety challenges and concerns. The same holds true in the business world: as our work force ages, employers will need to pay more attention to different aspects of workplace safety.
If you’re a business owner, these safety concerns can impact your business insurance policy rates, so it’s important to address them. Here’s a look at some factors to pay attention to if your workforce is getting older:
- Older adults are more prone to slip-and-fall accidents and also tend to suffer more serious injuries as a result. Be sure that steps are clearly visible and have handrails, Repair cracks in the pavement as quickly as possible, and ensure that obstacles like electrical cords aren’t underfoot.
- Ergonomic tools, including items like staplers, scissors, and keyboards, not only reduce risk for repetitive stress injury, but are also often easier for people with arthritis or other physical limitations to use.
- Supplement overhead lighting with desk laps or other lighting to protect employees’ eyesight. This is particularly important if employees spend significant amounts of time looking at small parts or staring at a screen.
A trusted insurance agent can answer your questions about workplace safety and your commercial insurance policy. Make it a priority to review safety concerns on a regular basis. You can even do it at the same time as you review your policy each year.
