Changes coming as workforce ages

They say that the one constant in life is change. The U.S. workforce has changed in recent decades as more women chose to pursue careers and as technology made fundamental alterations to the way businesses operate and offer goods and services to the world.

A recent article in the Claims Journal, an insurance industry publication, says that more change is coming as older workers stay on the job longer. The ongoing evolution means employers would be wise to renew their focus on safety to avoid workplace accidents that result in injuries and workers’ compensation benefits.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, older workers (65 years old and up) are working longer. As an age group, they are expected to grow faster than any other age group over the next 7 years.

The 25 to 54 age group is “expected to grow at a much slower rate during that time,” the Claims Journal states.

The Travelers vice president of workers’ compensation claims says the changes mean employers will devote even less resources to training and that this might well mean more on-the-job accidents involving less-experienced workers.

At the same time, older workers present risks as well. Workplace injury rates rise as a worker ages, the insurance executive said.

Another factor to consider, he said, is that the average worker today is not as healthy as they were in the past, and that also increases the frequency and severity of workers’ comp claims.

A successful appeal of a North Carolina workers’ compensation claim can make all the difference to your family and your health. You can speak with an experienced, effective Charlotte work comp lawyer about your situation.