According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workforce estimates of median age suggest that the median age of the mining workforce, which has been experiencing overall declines in numbers of employees, is rising more rapidly than for the overall U.S. civilian labor force. In the absence of detailed demographic data for the mining industry, the current study uses injury and illness data reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to examine differences, over time and by commodity, in the proportions of injured or ill workers aged 45 years and older. These data indicate that from 1988 to 1998, the percentage of injured or ill older workers (aged 45 years and older) have been steadily increasing. The most notable increase occurred at coal mining operations where the proportion of injured/ill older workers increased from 24 to 44 percent. A more detailed breakdown of the industry by commodity for 1998 showed the highest proportions of older injured/ill workers (over 40%) occurring in coal, iron ore, alumina mills, cement, and trona operations. With few exceptions, older injured miners have the highest median number of days lost per injury when examined by both type of mining operation and occupation. Given the high proportions of older injured or ill workers in many sectors of the mining industry, mining health and safety programs must consider reevaluating job tasks and the working environment in light of the physiological changes associated with aging.
Learning Objectives: 1. Evaluate the concepts of worker capacity versus worker demands in relation to an aging workforce. 2. List three factors associated with the work environment of older workers which could be targeted for intervention. 3. Describe the differences reported in the current study for younger versus older miners in relation to injury recovery times.
Keywords: Aging, Occupational Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.