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Occupational mortality in older workers: A forensic autopsy-based evaluation
Muhammet Ali Oruç1, Hüseyin Çağrı Şahin2, Muhammed Oduncu2
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Samsun University, Samsun, Türkiye.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|May 8, 2026
Summary
Workplace deaths in older adults aged 65+ are often due to natural causes like heart disease, but accidents and suicides also occur. Forensic autopsies are crucial for determining the exact cause and manner of these occupational fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Occupational Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Global workforce is aging, with more individuals working past 65.
- Limited forensic autopsy data exists for workplace deaths in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate causes and manners of workplace deaths in individuals aged 65 and older.
- To analyze autopsy findings in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of individuals aged 65+ who died at work and underwent forensic autopsy (2020-2024).
- Analysis of demographic data, cause/manner of death, comorbidities, autopsy, and toxicology results.
Main Results:
- 126 cases reviewed: 67.5% natural deaths (primarily cardiovascular diseases), 32.5% non-natural (accidents, suicides).
- Accidents often involved blunt force trauma; suicides by hanging or drug intoxication.
- Toxicology was negative in most cases, with no identified contributing substances.
Conclusions:
- Workplace deaths in older workers result from both natural diseases and external factors.
- Forensic autopsies are vital for accurately determining cause/manner of death.
- Autopsies help differentiate accidental occupational fatalities from intentional self-harm.
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