All workers need to have a safe workplace. This includes having what they need to protect them from knee injuries. Almost everything you do during the day puts pressure on the knees, so having an injury in one or both can lead to problems with getting normal activities done.
There are many options for the prevention of knee injuries that employers should consider. Whether the employees are working in an office or doing manual labor, simple steps can keep employees from having to deal with the pain and lost time that can come with these injuries.
Tips for knee protection
Keeping the knees safe starts with employers providing workers with the correct equipment and workspace. Some of the more cost-effective options employers have include:
- Providing time for employees to stretch their knees to keep them lubricated
- Offering rolling stools and other equipment when work surfaces are lower
- Raising lower work surfaces when possible
- Giving workers knee pads if they have to kneel for work
Employees should also practice safe lifting practices while they’re working. This includes using lifts or teamwork for lifting heavy or bulky objects.
Seeking medical care for a knee injury
Ignoring knee pain isn’t ever a good idea. Instead of trying to ignore it, anyone who has knee pain should make a doctor’s appointment to find out what’s going on. Pain isn’t the only symptom that signals the need for action. You should also get medical care if you experience:
- Stiffness in the knees
- Lack of range of motion
- Swelling with or without redness
Whether knee pain is the result of a sudden injury or due to cumulative trauma, worker’s compensation should cover the expenses related to it as long as it’s work-related. Some workers may have to fight for benefits, so be prepared for that possibility.