Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

As the global workforce ages and retirement ages rise, the proportion of older workers facing physical and ergonomic hazards in the workplace has increased. This study investigates the influence of occupational hazards on functional mobility and physical performance among aging workers. A total of 240 workers aged 50 and above, employed across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and textiles, were assessed for their exposure to occupational hazards and their functional capacity. The study utilized objective measures of gait speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Five-Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS), tandem stance time, and handgrip strength. Participants were categorized into low and high hazard exposure groups based on cumulative exposure indices. The results demonstrated significant impairments in functional mobility and physical performance in high-exposure workers, with slower gait speeds, longer TUG and FTSTS times, reduced balance, and weaker handgrip strength compared to low-exposure workers. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that higher occupational hazard exposure was independently associated with poorer functional mobility, even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and job tenure. A dose-response relationship was observed, with increased hazard exposure correlating with a higher prevalence of mobility limitations. These findings underscore the importance of reducing occupational hazards to prevent functional decline and enhance the well-being of aging workers. Practical recommendations include ergonomic job redesign, job rotation, physical activity promotion, and regular health screenings to mitigate the effects of occupational stressors on aging workers. This research highlights the need for comprehensive workplace interventions to maintain functional capacity and promote longer, healthier careers for older employees.