Age is more than a number

Having failed to attract sufficient young people into the sector, the demolition industry might be forced to put its faith in the older generation. It is a strategy with pros and cons.

We are witnessing a confluence; a coalescence of two factors that could have a long-lasting impact upon the demolition and construction industry.

On the one hand, as an industry we have failed and we continue to fail to attract young people into the industry.  At the same time, improved health care, shifts in pension provision and a widespread cost of living crisis means that we are all working longer than ever before.

Now, as someone of advancing years, I have no issue with that.  I haven’t even thought of retirement at this point.  And since the most strenuous thing I do most days is lifting a mug of tea to my lips, there is no real reason for me to go anywhere anytime soon.

But those planning to work in demolition and construction industry into their dotage will face some specific and unique challenges.  And I’d like to look at just some of those now.

Construction and demolition work often requires significant physical exertion.  As workers age, their physical strength, flexibility, and endurance naturally decline, which can make it difficult to perform tasks safely and effectively.  Older workers are more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders, joint problems, and slower recovery from injuries.  The repetitive strain and physical demands of the job can exacerbate these conditions, leading to a higher risk of workplace injuries.

Ageing workers are more likely to have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis, which can affect their ability to perform physically demanding tasks and increase absenteeism.  As people age, their reflexes and reaction times tend to slow down, which can be dangerous in high-risk environments like construction and demolition, where quick responses to hazards are crucial.

Hearing and vision decline with age, making it harder for older workers to perceive warnings or potential hazards, such as alarms, signals, or changes in the environment.  Older workers may experience fatigue more quickly and require longer recovery times after strenuous tasks. This fatigue can lead to lapses in concentration and increased likelihood of accidents.

While older workers often bring valuable experience and wisdom, cognitive decline can affect their ability to process information quickly, adapt to changes, and handle complex tasks.

All of which paints a pretty bleak image of working in demolition and construction when you have more than a few grey hairs.  But there are other challenges too.

The construction and demolition industries are increasingly integrating advanced technologies.  Older workers may find it challenging to adapt to these new technologies due to lower digital literacy or resistance to change.  They may also be less inclined or find it more difficult to learn new skills, particularly in rapidly evolving technological environments.

With all that being said, older workers do offer some significant benefits.  They often hold valuable knowledge and expertise that can be lost when they retire.  Ensuring that this knowledge is transferred to younger workers is essential for maintaining continuity and preventing skills shortages.  Encouraging older workers to take on mentorship roles can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience, while also allowing older workers to continue contributing in ways that are less physically demanding.

When all is said and done, helping older workers to stick around might our best hope for addressing the ongoing industry skills shortage.  But it is a solution that is not without its challenges.