With Tasmania recording the oldest population of all Australian states and territories, WorkSafe Tasmania is
highlighting the importance of retaining and supporting older workers with the number of older workers in
Tasmania’s labour force increasing from 34 per cent in 2002, to 43 per cent in 2012.
Tasmanian workplace injury figures reveal that over the past five years 45-54 year olds reported 27 per cent
of injury claims, while making up only 23 per cent of the state’s workforce.
The figures also reveal the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups represented the largest proportion of some of the
highest impact injuries in terms of days lost and cost.
As part of WorkSafe Tasmania Month 2017, WorkSafe Tasmania is hosting a series of hypothetical forums
across the state exploring the topic of ageing in the workforce, kicking off with this morning’s forum in
Launceston.
WorkCover Tasmania Board member Peter Donaldson said older workers, whether they are 45, 60 or 70 can
often be the victims of out-dated attitudes, stereotyping, unfair policies and prejudices.
“Beliefs, whether right or wrong, about the health, safety and effectiveness of older workers may influence
whether they are hired or let go and a common misconception is that older workers are ‘over the hill’ and
cannot work safely and effectively,” Mr Donaldson said.
“Not only can these mistaken beliefs harm older workers, they also negatively affect Tasmanian businesses,
particularly since older workers are a valuable human resource in today’s labour market.
“Of course our bodies do alter as we age, however once these changes are better understood and small
adjustments are made to offset their effects, workplaces can become safer, healthier and more productive
for all workers, not just older ones.
“WorkSafe Tasmania has developed a practical guide to managing an ageing workforce including overcoming
common misconceptions about older workers’ capabilities, simple changes you can make in your
environment to keep ageing workers safe, healthy and productive and how these changes can benefit
workers of all ages.”
For those interested, Hobart and Ulverstone will play host to hypothetical ageing in the workforce forums on
Monday, 23 and Tuesday, 31 October respectively.
WorkSafe Tasmania Month runs from 1-31 October 2017 and is part of a nationwide effort to raise
awareness of work health, safety and wellbeing as well as reduce work-related injury, illness and deaths.
For a copy of the WorkSafe Tasmania Month Program of Events or to register to attend an event, simply
head to the WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.tas.gov.au or phone the Helpline on 1300 366 322.
WorkSafe Tasmania
