Outcomes in work-related injuries: a comparison of older and younger workers.
BACKGROUND
The "graying of the workforce" has generated concerns about the physical capacity of older workers to maintain their health and productivity on the job, especially after an injury occurs. There is little detailed research on age-related differences in work outcomes after an occupational injury.


METHODS
A self-report survey about occupational, health, and financial outcomes, and related factors was administered 2-8 weeks post-injury to workers aged < 55 and > or = 55 who had lost time due to a work injury.


RESULTS
Despite more severe injuries in older workers, most outcomes were similar in both age groups. In multivariate models, age was unrelated or inversely related to poor outcomes. Injury severity, physical functioning, and problems upon return to work were associated with adverse work injury outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Older workers appear to fare better than younger workers after a work injury; their relative advantage may be primarily due to longer workplace attachment and the healthy worker effect.
Pransky
Glenn S
GS
Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and Health, Center for Disability Research, Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748, USA. glenn.pransky@libertymutual.com
Benjamin
Katy L
KL
Savageau
Judith A
JA
Currivan
Douglas
D
Fletcher
Kenneth
K
D000041:Absenteeism; D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*