Changes in both the economy and retirement benefits have had an impact on worker demographics in Oklahoma and around the country. Many people are working well into their sixties or longer, and this shift toward a graying workplace has also had an impact on workplace health and safety statistics.
Recent studies have shown that, in many cases, older workers have fewer accidents than younger workers. Many analysts believe that this is because older workers are more experienced and aware of possible safety issues. Studies have also suggested that more experienced workers are likely to identify and address workplace hazards or unsafe behavior when they see it. In addition, older workers may simply be more mature and less likely to take foolish risks.
However, there are a few areas in which older employees may lag behind their younger counterparts. Senior workers are more likely to become injured due to accidental slips and falls. It’s also true that younger people, in general, recover faster after an illness or injury. This may mean that an older worker will have to take time off work or may need to be reassigned to duties that won’t interfere with his or her rehabilitation. In addition, an older adult may suffer long-term issues after an accident, such as pain or restricted movement.
Individuals who have been injured in an on-the-job accident that was caused by a lack of attention on the part of the employer to proper workplace safety standards may want to discuss their circumstances with an attorney. In some cases, it may be advisable to file a lawsuit against the employer instead of a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.