Aging Workforce and Ergonomic Risk: A Strategic Imperative for Employers in 2025

As the American workforce ages, business owners face a new frontier in workplace safety and productivity. Employees are working well past traditional retirement age, and while their experience is invaluable, the physical demands of the job can pose increasing risks. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), slips, trips, and falls are rising among older workers, driving up workers’ compensation claims and reshaping how employers think about ergonomics, return-to-work programs, and age-inclusive safety design. This isn’t just a demographic shift – it’s a strategic challenge. By 2030, one in four U.S. workers will be 55 or older. Among those 75 and older, labor force participation is expected to grow by nearly 97%. Employers who fail to adapt may face higher injury rates, longer recovery times, and increased insurance costs. But those who respond with foresight and empathy can reduce risk, retain talent, and build a workplace culture that values every generation.

The Ergonomic Equation: Why Aging Changes the Risk Profile

Ergonomics is more than chair design – it’s the science of fitting work to the worker. For older employees, that means accounting for changes in strength, flexibility, vision, hearing, and reaction time. It also means recognizing that aging bodies may take longer to recover and may be more vulnerable to cumulative trauma.

Common ergonomic risks for aging workers include:
• Repetitive motion injuries from tasks that strain joints and tendons
• Poor lighting that increases fall risk or eye strain
• Improper workstation height that leads to back and neck pain
• Heavy lifting or awkward postures that exacerbate existing conditions

According to Woodruff Sawyer, comorbidities such as diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease also complicate recovery and increase claim severity. Employers must consider not just the task, but the total health context of the worker.

The Cost of Inaction

Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most expensive workers’ comp claims, and their frequency increases with age. Axiom Medical reports that ergonomic investments – while initially costly – pay off in reduced injury rates, faster recovery, and improved morale. The alternative? Rising premiums, lost productivity, and potential litigation.

Older workers also tend to have longer tenures, meaning their absence can disrupt operations more deeply. A single fall or strain can sideline a key employee for weeks, triggering ripple effects across teams and departments.

Rethinking the Workplace: Practical Ergonomic Upgrades

Employers don’t need to overhaul their entire facility overnight. But small, strategic changes can make a big difference:
• Adjustable workstations that accommodate sitting and standing
• Anti-fatigue flooring in areas with prolonged standing
• Improved lighting and contrast to reduce visual strain
• Scheduled movement breaks to reduce static posture injuries

These upgrades aren’t just for older workers – they benefit everyone. But when designed with aging in mind, they send a powerful message: “We value your experience, and we’re investing in your safety.”

For more information or help, contact the Insurance professionals of EPIC’s CRA ProRental™ Insurance Program. Call us at: 800.234.6363 or email us at prorental@epicbrokers.com.