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Older construction workers – a study of related injuries, underlying causes and estimated costs
Author(s)
Eppenberger, Marius
Date Issued
2008
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The construction workforce in South Africa is one that is ageing. This is a global
phenomenon and necessitates research into how the older cohort of the construction work
force can be optimally engaged. Optimum worker productivity, high quality products that
meet the specifications required, and high levels of occupational safety and health are
integral factors in achieving a sustainable workforce.
The purpose of the research was to quantify the injury rates among older construction
workers as well as to determine the events leading to these injuries, the nature of the injuries
and the bodily locations affected. The costs associated with these injuries were investigated
to understand whether there were any discernable differences between injuries to older and
younger workers. Apart from the literature review, two statistical construction injury
databases were analysed. Qualitative questionnaire based interviews were designed to
gather information related to older construction workers. Questionnaires were sent to
construction site managers to gauge their perceptions of older construction workers. The
statistical data was collected from the Western Cape region and was for the period 1998
through 2005 while the interviews and questionnaire data were collected during 2008.
xv
The potential benefits to industry are a consolidation of injury information relating to older
construction workers. This should assist construction managers with developing policies and
implementing strategies to prevent or at least minimise injuries and minimise the related
costs, with the aim of more effectively utilising their older workers and ultimately achieving a
more sustainable construction industry.
The study found that older workers sustained less injuries in total compared with younger
workers. No discernable variances occurred between younger and older workers when it
came to events leading to injuries (causes) and the type/nature of injuries. It was, however,
found that for the body parts affected, older workers were more prone to certain injuries.
Older workers sustained less severe injuries compared with their younger counterparts but
the injuries were more costly. The research findings supported the notion that older workers
receive less training than younger workers.
phenomenon and necessitates research into how the older cohort of the construction work
force can be optimally engaged. Optimum worker productivity, high quality products that
meet the specifications required, and high levels of occupational safety and health are
integral factors in achieving a sustainable workforce.
The purpose of the research was to quantify the injury rates among older construction
workers as well as to determine the events leading to these injuries, the nature of the injuries
and the bodily locations affected. The costs associated with these injuries were investigated
to understand whether there were any discernable differences between injuries to older and
younger workers. Apart from the literature review, two statistical construction injury
databases were analysed. Qualitative questionnaire based interviews were designed to
gather information related to older construction workers. Questionnaires were sent to
construction site managers to gauge their perceptions of older construction workers. The
statistical data was collected from the Western Cape region and was for the period 1998
through 2005 while the interviews and questionnaire data were collected during 2008.
xv
The potential benefits to industry are a consolidation of injury information relating to older
construction workers. This should assist construction managers with developing policies and
implementing strategies to prevent or at least minimise injuries and minimise the related
costs, with the aim of more effectively utilising their older workers and ultimately achieving a
more sustainable construction industry.
The study found that older workers sustained less injuries in total compared with younger
workers. No discernable variances occurred between younger and older workers when it
came to events leading to injuries (causes) and the type/nature of injuries. It was, however,
found that for the body parts affected, older workers were more prone to certain injuries.
Older workers sustained less severe injuries compared with their younger counterparts but
the injuries were more costly. The research findings supported the notion that older workers
receive less training than younger workers.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008
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