The Changing Workforce and Population
The demographics of the workforce are changing. The number of women in traditionally male jobs is increasing, and the age of the United States population is increasing and will continue to do so into the twenty-first century. More than in the past, we also look to integrate the disabled into society: most people with disabilities are employable. There are implications for safety related to these changes in the work force. Changes in employment laws reflect these changes and challenge the employer to ensure that the workplace is designed for all people. Manufacturers and designers of products and environments must meet these changes in demographics as well.
Women
Women are capable of most jobs men are, but they have faced problems obtaining pro-
tective clothing that fits and workstations designed to accommodate their size. Worksta-
tion furnishings need to adjust to fit people of all sizes, regardless of gender. Lifting and
bending tasks pose equal dangers for men and women, but statistics indicate that women
have higher rates of carpal tunnel syndrome than men. The increasing number of women
in previously male-dominated jobs has focused more attention on workstation and task
design. Subsequent redesign and reevaluation will reduce risks for everyone.