2: Healthy workplaces for all ages

---> Sensory system

Changes in vision: decreased ability to see in low lighting, to distinguish between colours and to judge distances and the speed of moving objectsPotential impact at work:

Impact on night driving.
Implications in case a worker needs to move between light and dark working environments.
May affect the ability to read printed material, dials and screens.
May impact the ability to do very detailed tasks.

Addressing the changes through safety and health management:

Improve contrast between objects by increasing the lighting levels.
Avoid shades of blue, blue on green or blue on black in work environment.
Install local lighting or task lighting that does not interfere with the visual field of others – if possible make it individually adjustable.
Reduce sunlight glare with shades and awnings.
Reduce the need for workers to move between bright and dark environments.
Make signs clear, visible and easily readable.
Consider changes from night to day shift in case of, for example, night driving.
Provide or encourage regular eyesight tests.

Changes in hearing, including not being able to hear high pitched sounds well and the ability to locate the source of soundsPotential impact at work:

May have an impact on communication in general, on understanding of instructions, and on awareness of hazards in the immediate surroundings, especially in noisy environments.

Addressing the changes through safety and health management:

Control noise in the working environment.
Use sound-absorbing construction material.
Avoid creating places that have echoes.
Provide
PPE, which stands for Personal Protective Equipment means all equipment designed to be worn or held by the worker (clothing, helmets, goggles) to protect him/her against one or more hazards likely to endanger the worker’s safety and health at work, and any addition or accessory designed to meet this objective. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemicals, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter. PPE must be used when the risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently reduced by technical means of collective protection or procedures of work organisation. (Source)
across all working ages and encourage workers to wear
PPE, which stands for Personal Protective Equipment means all equipment designed to be worn or held by the worker (clothing, helmets, goggles) to protect him/her against one or more hazards likely to endanger the worker’s safety and health at work, and any addition or accessory designed to meet this objective. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemicals, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter. PPE must be used when the risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently reduced by technical means of collective protection or procedures of work organisation. (Source)
throughout working life.
Ensure that emergency signals can be understood by everyone in the workplace; complement auditory signals with visual or vibrating alarm signals.
Provide hearing tests for workers.
Support the purchase of hearing aids.

Changes in balance controlPotential impact at work:

Higher risk of falling, slipping and tripping.
Implications for firefighters and rescue personnel.
Implications for construction workers and others working at height.

Addressing the changes through safety and health management:

Ensure proper lighting of all walkways.
Clean up spills immediately, keeping floors in good condition and use absorbent materials to avoid slipping.
Use high contrast colours on stairs and uneven areas.
Match work with abilities – not all workers can carry out work with ladders and scaffolds.
Ensure that guidelines and safety measures for work at height are known and followed.
Provide shoes/boots with non-slip soles.