Ageing and work ability
In the UK, the removal of the default retirement age and the push to extend working life requires us to have a better understanding of the effects that age-related change can have on our ability to work and how best to support our older workers.
Our research in the area of ageing and work feeds into our consultancy service. We have been involved in the collation of research evidence and the development of guidance for managing older workers, and the evaluation of the research evidence in relation to the physical capabilities of emergency service workers.
Our expertise in this area includes:-
- Workplace assessment to identify specific risk factors for older workers;
- Recommendations on workplace and work organisation re-design to accommodate older workers;
- Evaluation of objective physiological evidence in relation to work requirements and capabilities;
- Use of the Work Ability Index to assess the capabilities of the workforce or to help with problem identification;
- Use of age profile tools and guidance of age management.
Download the free guidance for good practice in managing older workers from IOSH.
WHAT WILL THE BENEFITS BE?
- Understanding the impact that demographic change might have on your workforce
- Evidence-based objective assessment of work tasks
- Help in identifying problem work processes or areas and advice on reducing risks in the workplace
WHAT HAVE WE DONE BEFORE?
Our research work in this area has included evidence reviews to examine the current state-of-the-art in relation to the implications for occupational health and safety https://healthy-workplaces.eu/en/tools-and-publications/publications/safer-and-healthier-work-any-age-ageing-workforce-implications as well as implications for women as part of the ageing https://healthy-workplaces.eu/en/tools-and-publications/publications/safer-and-healthier-work-any-age-women-and-ageing-workforce and examining the health, safety and health promotion needs of older workers https://www.iosh.co.uk/Books-and-resources/The-health-safety-and-health-promotion-needs-of-older-workers.aspx
IOM has also advised different occupational groups on the impact of the changing demographic to help them develop policies and make decisions around retirement. Our work has included advising emergency service workers on retirement age and the use of objectively evidence in its justification (https://www.fbu.org.uk/publication/scoping-study-review-ageing-and-demands-firefighting-august-2011). Researchers at IOM have also developed policy in managing work through the menopause (https://www.fbu.org.uk/publication/fbu-good-practice-guidance-menopause).
A useful information link is Healthy Workplaces for All e-guide https://healthy-workplaces.eu/en/healthy-workplaces-all-ages-e-guide
If you have an enquiry about our ergonomics and human factors services please send us an email at [email protected]