NIOSH Promotes Total Worker Health for Aging Workforce
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) launched the National Center for Productive Aging and Work (NCPAW), a virtual center designed to give employers the resources they need to better serve the overall health of workers of advanced ages.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 5 American workers is over the age of 65, and by 2020, 1 in 4 will be above the age of 55. This presents a challenge to all employers, who will have to deal with the unique health and safety concerns of an aging workforce at unprecedented levels. NCPAW hopes to meet this challenge by promoting total worker health, a concept that integrates protection from workplace hazards as well as the promotion of injury and illness prevention methods, all in the service of overall worker well-being.
By viewing the concept globally, a total worker health approach offers employers the advantage of combatting challenges on multiple fronts. The hope is that workers maintain better health as they age and receive adequate protection from hazards as well as effective interventions to treat workplace injuries and illnesses.
To promote total worker health, NIOSH recommends that employers consider the following:
- Controlling hazards and exposures
- Preventing injuries, illness and fatalities
- Promoting safe and healthy work
- Conducting risk assessment and control
Total worker health is a new initiative being pursued by NIOSH. For further information, consult the NIOSH Office for Total Worker Health. For additional resources on meeting the wellness and safety challenges of an aging workforce, contact American Advantage – Lindow Agency today.
© 2016 Zywave, Inc
