[attach id=262343 size="medium"]Only a third of Maltese believe workplaces will have more over-60s by 2020.[/attach]
Older employees should be considered as a vulnerable group in risk assessments at places of work as they might need greater protection, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority CEO Mark Gauci.
He was reacting to a recent, pan-European poll that showed people are not yet aware of the potential problems associated with an ageing working population – an increasing reality even in Malta.
Dr Gauci called for a better understanding of the problem and its implications, when asked whether Malta was prepared socially and economically for this phenomenon.
“The vulnerability of this group needs to be taken into consideration.
“When we speak in health and safety terms, we refer to vulnerable groups who require a different or higher level of protection, like young people and pregnant workers.
“Risk assessment is the most important rule the employer has to identify dangers and quantify risks.
“Just like how young people need more supervision and pregnant workers cannot work with particular chemicals, the older workers should be taken into consideration.”
According to a survey by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, where some 500 Maltese were interviewed in December of 2012, only a third believe it is possible that the number of those aged 60 and over will increase at places of work by 2020.
While 15 per cent believe it very probable, and 21 per cent believe it is quite probable (a total of 36 per cent), the European average totalled 52 for both responses.
By 2020, the retirement age would have increased, so the proportion of those working past 60 will be higher.
This poll also tackled work-related stress. A quarter of the Maltese said stress was very common at work, while 37 per cent think it is quite common. This compares with the EU average of 16 and 35 per cent respectively.
At the same time, however, Malta scored high on whether people think work-related stress is controlled well at their places of work.
While 18 per cent replied “very well” and 42 per cent said “quite well”, the European average stood at 13 and 41 per cent respectively.
Stress is difficult to define as there is a huge element of subjectivity involved but there is a high level of awareness in Malta, Dr Gauci noted.
He pointed out, however, that, despite a 2004 framework agreement between European social partners about work-related stress, Malta was one of five EU countries that failed to report on its implementation of the agreement.
Symptoms of work-related stress to watch out for:
• Change in mood or behaviour, such as feeling irritable and indecisive
• Feeling not being able to cope or be in control
• Drink more alcohol or smoke
• Health complaints like frequent headaches, not being able to sleep, heart problems and upset stomach