NIOSH to Co-Sponsor Conference on Aging Workforce
Strategies for anticipating the occupational health and safety needs of the aging U.S. workforce will be addressed at a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health co-sponsored conference scheduled for Feb. 17-18, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
According to NIOSH, by 2050, the population of people age 45 and over in the United States is projected to grow to more than 170 million people, from 93 million today. This is likely to mean an increasingly larger proportion of older men and women in the workforce. On average, this population will have different age-related physical characteristics, experiences, and needs than younger workers. Identifying the implications of those factors for occupational safety and health, and allowing older workers to take best advantage of their skills while reducing risks for work-related injuries and illnesses, will be important for a strong U.S. economy.
The goals of the conference address the needs, challenges, and approaches for the healthy aging of workers, including research strategies. For more information, visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-12-09-08.html.