A meta-analysis of the relationship between ageing and occupational safety and health

Existing studies show contradictory evidence on the relationship between ageing and occupational safety and health (OSH). The present study presents a systematic review of international research on age-related occupational accident risks for the last 30 years using meta-analysis technique. A summary of odds ratios on occupational risk incidence of older workers versus younger workers were grouped by outcome of occupational accidents. Potential moderators that could influence the relationship of ageing and OSH were analysed. Results showed that older workers are more vulnerable than younger workers in the workplace. The occurrence of severe/fatal accidents among older workers is twice as much as that of younger ones. However, the incidence of non-fatal accident among older workers is slightly (5.8%) lower than that of younger workers. Occupation and measurement of accidents are two important moderators that significantly influence the relationship of ageing and OSH. The results here show the need to promote OSH management specifically for older workers and have profound implications for planning work for an ageing workforce.