Safety Engineers Include Aging Workforce as Top Focus for 2007

In reviewing 2006 and looking ahead to key issues facing the safety profession in 2007, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President Donald S. Jones Sr., P.E., CSP, of Plaquemine, LA, noted that the aging workforce, nanotechnology, a possible flu pandemic, disaster preparedness and response, and doctoral programs in safety are among key concerns for ASSE and its members.

With respect to the aging workforce, Jones notes that employers and safety health and engineering professionals must recognize and meet the needs of the changing workforce. To accommodate the changing dynamics in an ongoing effort to reduce fatality rates, businesses should design a safe workplace for the aging workers which could include improving illumination, adding color contrast; eliminate heavy lifts; design work floors and platforms with smooth and solid decking while still allowing some cushioning; reduce static standing time; remove clutter from control panels and computer screens and use large video displays; reduce noise levels and much more.

Source: American Society of Safety Engineers Press Release (December 29, 2006)