Workability in the Ageing Workforce—A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of age, musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic exposure on workability in the oldest group of workers. Methods: The study was a population based cross-sectional survey. The study population comprised citizens born between 1952–1966, living in Esbjerg municipality ultimo 2016 (n = 23,463). A questionnaire was sent electronically or by mail. The analysis included the working population only. A stereotype logistic regression was used with the primary dependent variable being workability and independent variables included age, musculoskeletal pain, and ergonomic exposure. Results: The response rate was 58% and the data demonstrated a significant negative association between age and workability. With excellent workability as a reference, the odds for poor workability increased by 97% being 60+ y compared to 50–55 y. Both moderate intensity and severe musculoskeletal pain in the back, shoulder and knee/hip all showed significantly higher odds for poor workability. Ergonomic exposures, such as standing/walking, working with back bent or twisted and carrying or lifting had a significant negative impact on workability. Conclusion: Age, musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic exposures showed a significant negative impact on workability in the oldest group of workers and should be targeted with preventive initiatives.

The Relationship between Work, Health and Job Performance for a Sustainable Working Life: A Case Study on Older Manual Employees in an Italian Steel Factory

“…These environmental factors that allow a balance between work and health are important for older manual workers. Ageing manual workers face a risk of lacking this balance because they are at the crossroads of possible decreasing work ability due to age [ 18 ] and the physical demand embedded in their work positions [ 19 ]. A study done in the Netherlands found that manual labour, namely materials handling, was one of the most important risk factors for moderate and long durations of sick leave [ 19 ].…”

Ergonomic and individual risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in the ageing workforce

“…This present study is part of a population based crosssectional survey conducted in the 4 th quarter of 2017 -2 nd quarter of 2019 in Esbjerg municipality [6]. The methodology has been described elsewhere [6].…”

“…This present study is part of a population based crosssectional survey conducted in the 4 th quarter of 2017 -2 nd quarter of 2019 in Esbjerg municipality [6]. The methodology has been described elsewhere [6]. In brief, a comprehensive questionnaire was constructed, based on validated questionnaires, focusing on health status, musculoskeletal pain, perceived stress, ergonomic exposure and workability.…”

“…As individuals age physical and mental health deteriorate [2] causing an imbalance between occupational demands and individuals' work capacity. This imbalance might have severe consequences with increased risks for disability [3], occupational injury [4], musculoskeletal disorder [5] and poor workability [6] which have important socioeconomic implications. Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in particular is a prevalent issue [7] and has been shown to cause more absence from work and disability compared to any other group of disease [8].…”

“…The present study aimed to investigate the possible association between specific ergonomic and individual risk factors for workers aged 50-65y and MSP in the back, shoulder, hip and knee region. The study was part of a previous study (The Esbjerg Cohort), previously described [6]. We hypothesized that ergonomic exposure, independently of other variables, would be associated with MSP and that these exposures would be region specific.…”