Knee Safety

Did You Know?

Workers who spend a good deal of time in the kneeling position put 89% of their body weight on a small surface area. Prolonged kneeling can often lead to injury. 

Tasks that involve frequent stooping, kneeling, or squatting increase the risk of developing bursitis, tendinitis, or arthritis in the knee 

Source: "Kneeling on Hard Surfaces Increases Risk of Injury" article by Industrial Safety & Hygiene News

The Institute in Medicine estimates the economic burden of WMSDs as measured by compensation costs, lost wages, and lost productivity, are between $45 and $54 billion annually 

Knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults. The prevalence of knee pain has increased almost 65% over the past 20 years, accounting for nearly 4 million primary care visits annually. 

Knee pain is the second most common cause of chronic pain and chronic pain is the most common cause of long-term disability

Certain occupations are associated with increased prevalence of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, most often of the knee and/or hip...[including] construction. 

Common features of these occupations are physically demanding/heavy labor tasks, lifting or carrying heavy loads, exposure to vibration, high risk of joint or tissue injury, and prolonged periods of working in awkward or unnatural postures such as kneeling and crawling

Source: "Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics" article by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention