The construction workforce in the United States has many obstacles to overcome, however one of the most prolific today is the aging workforce with few skilled tradesman entering the ranks.
Through extensive research and analysis of our construction book of business at CNA, we have gained a real understanding of jobsite ergonomic exposures, specific job tasks, and workforce limitations within the construction trades that impact productivity, efficiency, and risk factors.
This paper will focus on areas and the methods to enhance production, efficiency, and reduce risk factors on construction sites.
America's workforce is changing. Baby boomers, defined as those born between 1946 and 1964 are now reaching the age where retirement is just around the corner and there are 79 million strong. The official retirement age of the first of these boomers is 2011.
What is the impact of aging on the construction industries health and safety? Addressing the health and safety means looking at the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive issues related to aging. The construction industry in the United States cannot continue to run their businesses as usual!
The number of workers age 45 and older has doubled since 1950. According to the AARP: the number of older persons (55 plus) in the labor force, which stood at about 18.2 million in 2000 is projected to rise to 25.2 million in 2008 and 31.9 million by 2025. The resulting increase is 38% over 10 years and 75% percent over the next 25 years.2
What is so significant about human aging and our bodies? As we age the following bodily changes and functions begin to occur:
Loss of strength
Loss of muscular flexibility
Loss of joint range of motion
Diminished postural steadiness
Reduced grip strength
Reduced blood flow and tactile feedback
Reduced visual capacity
Slowing of our mental processing
Loss of strength happens due to decreased muscle mass and diminished force capabilities of our muscles. The muscles take longer to respond to action and fatigues faster as we age. As muscles age, they begin to shrink and lose mass. The number and size of muscle fibers also decrease. It takes muscles longer to respond in our 50's than they did in our 20's. Heavy lifting and lowering, awkward positions and static postures are all risk factors for injuries in the construction industry. Task requiring grip force and exertion as well as repetitive task are more difficult with decreased strength and endurance.
Reduced grip strength goes along with reduced muscle and soft tissue capabilities. Hand grip strength decreases, making it more difficult to accomplish routine activities such as gripping and using tools, lifting and lowering, pushing and pulling tasks, as well as climbing ladders, scaffolding etc…
Vision is by far our most important sensory channel. We receive a wider range of information from light than all other senses combined. Approximately 90% of the information we learn in a lifetime enters through the eyes. A 60 year old person requires 2 to 3 times the amount of light as a 20 year old.'
