Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Built Environment

First Advisor

Charmaine Mullins-Jaime

Second Advisor

He Wen

Third Advisor

Andy Perry

Abstract

Occupational injuries and fatalities in the United States have declined over time; however, meaningful differences by worker age remain a concern for employers and safety professionals. Younger workers often experience higher non-fatal injury rates due to limited experience and developing hazard-recognition skills, while older workers face increased risk of severe and fatal outcomes related to age-associated physical changes. The purpose of this study was to analyze long-term injury and fatality trends by age group and determine whether differences exist over time. National injury data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (1992–2023) and the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (1994–2022) were analyzed. One-way ANOVA with Games-Howell post-hoc testing was used to compare injury and fatality counts among age groups, and trend charts were used to visually examine patterns. Statistically significant differences were found among age groups for both fatal and non-fatal injuries (p < .001). Younger workers, particularly those aged 20–34, consistently experienced the highest non-fatal injury counts, while older workers (55+) represented a growing share of workplace fatalities. There is an overall decline in injuries and fatalities. Data from the SOII and CFOI demonstrated significant differences between the age bands. The persistence of age-based differences supports the need for targeted safety strategies. Enhanced training and supervision for younger workers and ergonomic and physical-demand accommodations for older workers may help reduce injury risk across age groups.

Download

Share

COinS