Aging Workplace

A Numbers Game That’s Become An HR Reality.

As an employer making plans for your organization’s future you are no doubt aware that the demographics of workers are changing.

Rather than simply an HR distraction, consideration of this topic is a business imperative for the 21st century.

There are now four generations working side-by-side in the workplace; Traditionalists (born: 1928-1945), Baby Boomers (born: 1946-1964), the Gen X(born: 1965-1980), and Gen Y(born: 1980 – 2000). These groups have different philosophies about work and create varying cultures in the workplace.

The fastest growing age group in the U.S. workforce is 55-64, with a 73% growth from 2000 to 2020. This is the result of a dramatic drop in birth rates coupled with a boom in life expectancy. Simply put, there are not enough young workers to meet the labor force demand and older workers are remaining in the workforce longer.

There are both positive and negative realities in this aging workforce. Although chronologically older workers can present limitations of mental and physical capacity in combination with chronic health conditions there is no consistent relationship between aging and work performance.

Older workers tend to have a good attitude regarding work, demonstrate good judgment, are flexible in work assignments and schedules, and have an interest in learning new things.

Although older workers have fewer injuries, when an injury occurs it does tend to be more severe and often takes longer to heal. There are more musculoskeletal injuries in older workers especially involving the low back.

Occupational Health Solutions’ programs and services will help you address the realities of the changing demographics in your workplace. Older workers are not going away. And protecting workers safety and health is important at any age.

Did you know that something as simple as periodic visual acuity screening can identify the need for corrective lenses. This intervention can help prevent acute slips and falls prevalent with older workers.

Stay tuned for upcoming email articles offering insight into the health and safety considerations for each of the generations working side-by-side in your workplace.

Respirator Medical Clearance and Fit Testing

So, you’re putting together your Respiratory Protection Program and you need some help. Since employees must be medically cleared to wear a respirator, and fit tested every year – where do you turn? OHS of course.

We offer a quick and easy way for your employees to be medically cleared online.

Check it out at www.oshamedcert.com

Click on Respirator Medical Evaluation and Certificate. Access Code: D1033

If your employee doesn’t pass, there is no fee. If he or she fails the online version, we’ll request a written questionnaire. Once finished, the completed form is sent into the OHS office via email, fax or US Mail and is reviewed by a health professional. In very rare instances, further evaluation may be required. OHS has partnered with oshamedcert to simplify this medical clearance process for employers – and it works!

Although this yearly fit testing can be time consuming, it is important in the protection of your team keeping them from the adverse health affects of hazardous exposure. OHS offers both qualitative and quantitative fit testing using a state-of-the-art Portacount machine. Also, we can do this testing at our office or on-site at your facility.

While there are many specific requirements when it comes to respiratory protection, OHS and our team of health professionals are here to help employers weed through the requirements, and work with your team to determine the right applications for your workplace environment.

Looking to overhaul your respirator program? Give us a call, we’re here to keep you up-to-date, regulatory compliant and most importantly – safe!

1.800.698.1808.