To determine which industries and occupational groups are associated with employment of older workers with chronic work-limiting health conditions in Australia.

Analysis of data from the 2005 National Health Survey for 4228 workers aged 45–64 years.

Rate of employment by industry and occupation of older workers with specific chronic conditions.

Compared with the reference industry of property and business services, workers in the retail trade industry were found to be more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal conditions (relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.04–2.36), while those in health and community services had higher rates of cardiovascular disease (RRR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.11–4.24). Compared with the reference occupation group of professionals, managers and administrators were less likely to suffer neoplasms (RRR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07–0.97). Similar rates of chronic disease were seen across other occupations.

Increasing rates of chronic health conditions are unlikely to have an even impact across the workforce, as the rate of employment of older workers with these conditions varies between industries.