Research is needed to define the nature and magnitude of risks experienced and to develop appropriate intervention and communication strategies. Specific directed efforts are needed to prevent work-related diseases and injuries in these special populations. The number of workers aged 65 and older was 3.7 million in 1995.
Older workers are at greatly increased risk of work-related injury fatalities.
In 1993, the rate of fatal traumatic injuries was 15 per 100,000 workers aged 65 years and older compared to 5 per 100,000 workers aged 25 to 34. Older workers may also be more susceptible to chronic diseases. Younger workers are at increased risk of work-related injury because they often have limited job knowledge, training, and skills. Private industry reported that in 1993, more than 95,000 illnesses and injuries that involved days away from work occurred in workers aged 16 to 19. An estimated 64,000 adolescents required treatment for work-related injuries in emergency rooms during 1992.