Prevention in a Multigenerational Workplace

Today's multigenerational workforce requires management, SH&E professionals and disability management specialists to be creative in planning and implementing prevention activities with regard to injury and illness. The national debate over increasing the retirement age suggests that the average and median ages of workers will increase. Statistics in the aggregate indicate that older workers have a lower injury rate than their younger counterparts. However, when older workers are injured, they generally take longer to heal or may not recover, leading to a higher probability of becoming disabled. The challenge for many employers is to help workers embrace safety and health when they are new on the job and to retain that mindset throughout their careers. Typically, this process starts with new job orientation, education and training for employees to ensure that safe work habits and behaviors are taught from day one. Employers would agree that safety education is a key part of orientation and training for new employees.