Project status: Active

Is there enough consideration for the needs of older workers in jobs with a high physical demand?

Nursing and construction are two industries critical to Australia’s development and progression. Even though they call for very different skillsets they face many shared challenges, including an ageing work force, physically demanding and stressful work, and labour shortages.

Older workers in both industries hold a wealth of information and experience needed to train younger generations of workers. However, for this group high workplace demands and outdated work cultures can lead to increased work injuries, mental stress, and workplace discrimination.

Investigating common issues in

Through this study we are examining some of the shared challenges older nursing and construction workers face in NSW. We will evaluate what changes should be implemented to address these challenges with a focus on improving the WHS approaches in these industries.

In partnership with Western Sydney University and the University of Newcastle, our research has a multi-faceted approach. To date, we have conducted literature reviews, surveys, and social media textual analyses to get a comprehensive picture of the issues faced by workers in both industries.

Still to come

We have developed an intervention that will be tested on 60 construction workers and 60 nurses.

The effectiveness of the intervention will be measured by:

• the cortisol levels to identify any symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression;
• attitudes to work;
• feelings of being valued; and
• intention to continue working.

Watch this space for the results of the intervention and how you could implement it into your workplace.

Want to know more?

To work with the Centre, or stay up to date with our research, head to our Engage with us page.