Safety Tips for Working Seniors

In honor of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we explore how seniors can stay safe in their working environment.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, older workers are likely to have less injuries at the workplace than their younger colleagues. However, the report further says that older workers require more time to heal, and incidents are more likely to be critical.

Therefore, seniors should be concerned about their safety at the workplace. It is equally true that workplace safety cannot exist on best practice guidelines and policies alone. You should adhere to the rules and promote safety among your co-workers. So, let's honor World Day for Safety and Health at Work with these basic yet essential workplace safety tips for seniors.

Look Around:

Working Seniors

You should be aware of your surroundings to know the particular hazards of your job or workplace. Once you have assessed these risks, you are able to keep a distance from risky areas and dangerous situations. Besides, always be alert of machinery.

Keep Correct Posture to Protect Your Back:

Keeping a correct posture is essential to avoid back problems at this age. Try to sit and walk with correct posture. If you are working at a desk, make sure to keep you shoulders in line with your hips to avoid backache. If you are picking things up, do that in proper posture to avoid your back getting hurt. Don’t stop or twist. You can use ergonomic designed furniture and equipment to keep your posture right.

Take Regular Breaks:

 

Being an aged person, you must take regular breaks. This is important because a day full of constant work can exhaust you, making you prone to injuries and illness. One way to stay alert is to do the most complicated tasks when your concentration is best.

Talk to Your Employer:

An employer plays an important role to make workplace a safer place with his or her adjustments and policies. Ask them to provide you the tasks that match your abilities. If you are not comfortable to work in certain environments, you can ask them to make special arrangements for you.

Use Tools and Machines Properly:

Old Man Operating Machine

Follow the proper precautions while using the equipment. Don’t rely on shortcuts like using scaffolding as a ladder for specific jobs. Read the instructions or user manual before using a new tool. Have your superiors change the old tools you feel are no longer safer and effective. Always wear rubber gloves and shoes while working amidst wires and active electrical equipment. Use a helmet, gloves and proper gear when working with or around construction.

Know Where Your Emergency Exit Is:

In case of fire breakout, flood or earthquake, you are required to evacuate the facility safely & quickly. So, always know where the emergency exit is.

Go For Routine Checkup:

Older Man Health Checkup

See your physician on a regular basis to know if your work is affecting your health!

WIth proper safety, seniors can take jobs to keep them active and healthy, while eliminating boredom and even giving them the opportunity to be a part of something great.