Safety for Older Construction Workers in Wildwood, NJ
More mature employees are in the workforce than ever, leading to safety concerns, especially in the construction industry. These jobs have high physical demands and a greater risk of injury. If you have been injured as a construction worker, don’t wait to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Wildwood, NJ.
Why Age Matters in the Construction Industry
There are several primary reasons why age is of critical importance in the construction industry, including each of the following:
- Construction work is among the most physically demanding forms of work
- The injuries and illnesses that construction workers suffer are among the costliest across all forms of work
- Workers who are over the age of 50 are more prone to injury based on their age
- Compared to white-collar workers, construction workers are more likely to experience chronic health conditions with the passage of time
A comprehensive study conducted by the National Library of Medicine on aging construction workers finds that while older construction workers experience higher costs due to work-related injuries and illnesses, they typically experience fewer workplace injuries than their younger coworkers. The data does not support the claim that decreasing strength, processing speeds, and physical abilities associated with aging increase the risk of injuries for construction workers.
Age of Construction Workers on the Rise
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the percentage of construction workers over 55 in the United States nearly doubled from 2003 to 2020—from 11.5 to 22.7 percent. This increase is the largest across all industries and highlights the importance of addressing safety concerns for aging construction workers.
Addressing Safety Concerns for Older Construction Workers
Industry efforts to improve safety for older construction workers include practices like the following:
- Pairing younger apprentices with more experienced employees allows older workers to provide guidance while enabling younger workers to take on more physically demanding tasks.
- Training older workers who have the drive and the skill set to move up the career ladder toward supervisory and managerial positions
- Employing bidirectional mentorship enables older workers to share their trade-based knowledge with younger employees
- Younger coworkers assist them in adapting to technological advancements in the construction industry
Lightening the physical load for older construction workers helps bolster safety.
Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The stakes are high if you’ve been injured on the job as a construction worker. As workers’ compensation attorneys at Matarazzo and Lubcher in Wildwood, New Jersey, we dedicate our skills to championing your rights. Contact us online or call us at 609-432-4668 today.