In accordance with applicable law, every entrepreneur is obliged to ensure safe and comfortable working conditions for employees.

Employees over fifty years of age constitute a large group of employees, so entrepreneurs must remember that they are more susceptible to accidents and hazardous factors than other people. To reduce the risk of accidents and deterioration of health, it is first of all necessary to provide them with safe and comfortable working conditions and to take into account their age-related needs.

GreatA provider employing people over fifty years of age should comply with the following rules:

• assessment of occupational risk and preparation and adjustment of workplaces to the skills, capabilities and health status of employees. The entrepreneur is required to perform an occupational risk assessment, which first allows for the identification of threats related to the duties performed, and then to reduce or completely eliminate them. The job position held must be adapted to the employee’s age. If work takes place in a sitting position, it is very important to purchase ergonomic chairs and prepare a workstation that will avoid discomfort and various diseases. Employed people should also have the opportunity to rest during the day, which will contribute to more effective work,
• occupational health and safety training – before starting work, the employed person must take part in an initial training course, which provides detailed information about the position held and general safety regulations. However, the regulations also oblige employers to organize periodic training in the field of occupational health and safety, which must take into account the age of the employees. Training increases the level of safety and helps avoid accidents and injuries, take care of health and guarantee protection not only for older employees, but also for all people in the workplace,
• prohibition of discrimination and violence at work – a good solution used by many entrepreneurs is to introduce a policy prohibiting discrimination and violence in the workplace. Creating an atmosphere of respect and support plays a very important role, thanks to which each employee feels safe and comfortable, and age does not play a significant role,
• ergonomics and adaptation of workstations – positions occupied by people over fifty years of age should be adapted to them. If possible, the employer should ensure appropriate furniture, remember about lighting suitable for the visual needs of older people and enable the use of tools that facilitate the performance of assigned duties,
• regular medical examinations and preventive health care – the employer should encourage employees to undergo regular medical examinations and monitor their health. A good idea is to organize preventive campaigns, which include, for example, vaccination against influenza,
• diversified responsibilities and skills – developing diversified work responsibilities and promotion opportunities enables employees to be more involved, act for the benefit of the company and have the employer appreciate the employees’ efforts, which is very important for people over fifty years of age,
• teamwork and mentoring – teamwork is particularly important for elderly people, because after so many years of work, the employed people have a wide range of knowledge and can pass it on to younger employees. In turn, new employees bring to the team an individual approach to work, many interesting ideas and the ability to use the latest technology. The employer should promote and appreciate the sharing of knowledge by employees, mutual support and willingness to help,
• support in professional development – every employee, regardless of age and skills, should have the opportunity to develop by taking part in training and courses. This is an effective way for people over 50 to adapt their knowledge to the technologies used as well as the changing needs of the company. If older people take part in courses and training, they show greater commitment to work, which contributes to the company achieving better results,
• supporting a healthy lifestyle – the employer should recommend a healthy lifestyle – for this purpose, programs are prepared for physical activity and promoting healthy eating, which will ensure better well-being and reduce diseases and visits to the doctor, making the employed person more available and able to perform assigned duties at the designated time and place,
• monitoring and adapting the workplace to the health condition and needs of employees,
• appropriate work attire – employees should be equipped with appropriate clothing, accessories and tools enabling safe work performance and reducing the risk of struggling with injuries or discomfort.

People over fifty years of age still have a lot of time before they retire, so the employer should make every effort to ensure that they perform their duties in safe and comfortable conditions. This is an effective way to ensure both good health and minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. If employees are well taken care of, it contributes to improved professional efficiency. The staff is experienced and committed to performing their duties, which in turn brings benefits to the employer. If the plant employs both young and elderly workers, they exchange knowledge, experience and ideas.

Source:https://bezpieczenstwo-bhp.pl/blog/home/bezpieczna-praca-dla-osob-w-wieku-50

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.