Overview
Keywords: Scoping review; retirement; older worker; stay at work; return-to-work
Timeline: November 2015 - present
Researchers: Ivan Steenstra (Principal Investigator, Institute for Work & Health), Emma Irvin, Kim Cullen, and Dorcas Beaton (Institute for Work & Health)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Position paper
Sector/workplace type: All sectors
Themes:
Theme
5
Implementation
Background/rationale
At present, more than two in five workers is aged 45 and older. An overwhelming number of publications describe the increasing proportion of aging workers in the Canadian labour. However, only few scientific studies have examined the impact MSD have on the labour force participation of an aging workforce.
Research question/objectives/methods
We will explore the extent of the literature on the role of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in labour force participation of older workers. We propose to conduct a scoping review with the objective of exploring the extent of the literature on the role of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in labour force participation of older workers. A scoping review is appropriate as we do not know the extent, range, or nature of research activity that currently exists in relation to the role of MSD in the labour force participation of older workers in the labour market.
Key findings
In progress.
Implications for the prevention of MSD
Workplaces, healthcare providers and government will have to deal with an aging labour force. Targets for the prevention of work injuries that are set by workplaces and policy makers are likely complicated by an aging labour force.
Knowledge dissemination
We plan to publish the findings in an open access peer-reviewed journal and present at scientific conferences. We will also organize a workshop on the topic of healthy aging at work for community advocates and key decision makers in labour-market policy at PREMUS 2016 June 20-23, 2016 in Toronto.