Occup Med (Lond). 2026 Oct 12:kqag104. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqag104. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The number of crane operators aged 70 years and above is increasing in Singapore, requiring annual relicensing assessments to ensure medical and functional fitness for work.
AIMS: To examine the health status, functional capacity and employment outcomes of elderly crane operators and evaluate relicensing effectiveness.
METHODS: A serial cross-sectional study was conducted using relicensing assessment data from a tertiary healthcare institution in Singapore from 2016 to 2022. Medical history, laboratory test results, functional assessments and employment status were analysed. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to compare outcomes across years and between employed and retired operators. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with employment status in 2022.
RESULTS: A total of 456 relicensing assessments were conducted for 195 unique crane operators. Hypertension (61%), diabetes mellitus (29%) and cataracts (25%) were the most common medical conditions. Annual blood tests showed increasing trends in the proportion of operators with abnormal fasting plasma glucose over time (p-trend < 0.05). A longer completion time for the 3D construction test (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P < 0.05) was positively associated with retirement but presence of any cardiovascular diseases (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.99, P < 0.05) showed an inverse association. Two operators failed the Colour Trails Test-2 and were deemed unfit for relicensing.
CONCLUSIONS: The relicensing assessment process identifies crane operators unfit to work due to functional or medical impairments. Cognitive and visuospatial assessments play a key role in determining workability. Findings highlight the need for workplace health programs targeting chronic disease management and cognitive health.
PMID:42862116 | DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqag104