부산대학교 도서관

Background: In recent years, birth rate in Taiwan has declined and the average life expectancy has increased, resulting in an aged population. To promote the health of senior and middle-aged workers, improve their work fitness and working environment, the Eastern District Workers’ Health Service Center of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Ministry of Labor assists workplaces to implement the health service plan, therefore to provide a safe and healthy working environment for senior and middle-aged workers. Methods: In 2022, senior and middle-aged workers at a workplace for maintenance and installation of industrial machinery and equipment in Taiwan were recruited and the data were gathered through a face-to-face interview. Risk assessment for cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal symptoms survey and work fitness were evaluated and analyzed statistically. Occupational specialists from the center provided health consultation, health guidance and work environment improvement services for senior and middle-aged workers. Results and discussion: Fifty-nine workers were included in this study, 29 workers (49%) had at least one musculoskeletal disorder, among those the most common site was lower back pain (28%). The cross-analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant difference (p-value＜0.05) between the work fitness and the musculoskeletal score; whereas age was not significantly correlated with the risk of cardiovascular disease risk, nor the musculoskeletal score. Conclusion: The promotion of health management, the improvement of job suitability assessment and the improvement of working environment are essential for senior and middle-aged workers. Keep these workers remain in workplace can pass on their work experience, helps to maintain workplace safety and productivity. This health service plan will be introduced to other workplace with the same needs.