Action Plan Checklist for Protecting Older Workers

Source: Manitoba’s brochure, Safe Work for an Aging Workforce

[   ] Develop a Health and Safety Program. Include aging workforce issues in areas such as job hazard analysis, new worker orientation and inspections.

[   ] Review tasks for good ergonomic design. Poorly designed jobs will affect all workers, including older workers.

[   ] Conduct a worker survey. Questions may include work discomfort, identify­ing problem jobs and solution ideas.

[   ] Assess the organization’s ability to provide a flexible, respectful and inclusive work environment. Promote work-life balance and reduce rigid working conditions.

[   ] Develop health promotion activities. Investigate health and fitness alterna­tives for older workers and increase awareness of chronic illnesses.

[   ] Open communication throughout the workplace. Good communication is required to address older workers reluctance to discuss health issues or work related pain due to perceived negative consequences.

[   ] Leverage older workers’ strengths. Provide opportunities for older workers to use and share their knowledge, experience and adaptability to reduce health and safety risks.