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Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 7/2012

01-10-2012 | Original Article

Factors associated with the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65 in construction workers

Authors: Karen M. Oude Hengel, Birgitte M. Blatter, Goedele A. Geuskens, Lando L. J. Koppes, Paulien M. Bongers

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 7/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

The working population is aging and a shortage of workers is expected in the construction industry. As a consequence, it is considered necessary that construction workers extend their working life. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with construction workers’ ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65.

Methods

In total, 5,610 construction workers that participated in the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey filled out questionnaires on demographics, work-related and health-related factors, and on the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65. Logistic regression analyses were applied.

Results

Older workers were more often able, but less willing, to continue working until the age of 65. Frequently using force, lower supervisor support, lower skill discretion, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints were associated with both a lower ability and willingness to continue working. In addition, dangerous work, occasionally using force, working in awkward postures, lack of job autonomy, and reporting emotional exhaustion were associated with a lower ability to continue working, whereas working overtime was associated with a higher ability. Furthermore, low social support from colleagues was associated with a higher willingness.

Conclusion

In addition to physical job demands, psychosocial job characteristics play a significant role in both the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65 in construction workers. Moreover, preventing musculoskeletal complaints may support the ability and willingness to continue working, whereas preventing emotional exhaustion is relevant for the ability to continue working.
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Metadata
Title
Factors associated with the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65 in construction workers
Authors
Karen M. Oude Hengel
Birgitte M. Blatter
Goedele A. Geuskens
Lando L. J. Koppes
Paulien M. Bongers
Publication date
01-10-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0719-3

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