Construction workers in every trade face physical risks everyday on the job site. For those who frequently work at ground level, knee pain or injury is a major concern. While there are no OSHA standards requiring the use of kneepads, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety suggests that wearing kneepads might reduce the risk of injury and help improve productivity for construction workers.
Who's At Risk
Workers in almost every part of the construction field spend a surprising amount of time working on their knees at ground level. This includes landscapers, who kneel on dirt or hard ground as they plant bushes and flowers or install pavers. It also includes plumbers and electricians, who lay pipes and wires at the base of walls, and concrete installers, who mix and finish concrete floors. Carpet and flooring installers also spend a large portion of the day working on their knees, putting themselves at risk for injury.
Risk
Without kneepads, construction workers face the risk of discomfort from kneeling on hard surfaces or any surface for an extended period. Workers might take frequent breaks to minimize pain, leading to a decrease in productivity. Knee pain from working on the job site might cause workers to miss days and lead to decreased worker satisfaction. Those who work without kneepads for an extended period face the risk of long-term injury to the knees.
Benefits
While kneepads might not eliminate all knee problems, they do offer a number of benefits to construction workers, according to the University of California Berkeley Center for Occupational and Environmental Health. Kneepads reduce the risk of pre-pateller bursitis while helping to prevent lacerations to the knees. They also might prevent objects from penetrating the skin or muscles around the knee if the wearer kneels on a sharp object. Finally, kneepads improve worker comfort and increase productivity to keep the job on schedule.
Usage Statistics
According to an April 2000 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction workers are more likely to wear kneepads if they spend a great deal of time working on their knees. Those who wear kneepads spend an average of 50 percent of the day kneeling, while non-users spend just 8 percent of the day kneeling. Only 8 percent of workers surveyed during this study stated that kneepads were provided by the employer. The remaining participants bought their own kneepads, at a median cost of $20.
Alternatives
Kneepads might not be the only solution available to construction workers facing potential knee injuries or discomfort. Disposable kneepads might offer convenience and affordability for some, while kneepads built into clothes can help wearers who often forget to bring pads to the job site. Kneeling mats allow users to move over a large area without limiting mobility, while wheeled knee boards protect the knees while allowing workers to move quickly over the floor.
References
- UC Berkeley Center for Occupational and Environmental Health: Stooped and Squatting Postures in the Workplace
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Knee Pads
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Hazard Evaluation Report, April 2000
- The Society for Protective Coatings: Knee Pads Protect Knees, Improve Production, Says NIOSH
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety: NIOSH Alert
