The most common injuries for healthcare workers older than 50 are related to the back and shoulders, according to a report from Aon, a London-based global professional services firm.
Researchers examined May 2017 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses; and 163,500 closed workers compensation claims from 2012-17.
Three findings on the aging healthcare workforce:
1. Nurses, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants, represent over 43 percent of the healthcare and social assistance sector. Based on the survey of registered nurses, most nurses are older than 50.
2. The average total cost of workers compensation claims climbed with age. The average total cost of healthcare employees 51 and older is $8,900 compared to $3,200 for those ages 18 to 35.
3. The percentage of slip/trip/fall workers compensation claims also increased with age. Only 10.7 percent of claims for healthcare employees ages 18 to 35 are slip/trip/falls, while more than 28 percent of claims for those older than 50 are slip/trip/falls.
Access the full report here.
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