No one wants to suffer a workplace injury, particularly one that impacts their mobility. Unfortunately, work-related knee injuries are more common than you might think. Various situations can cause employees to experience knee pain, but is there a way to prevent it?
Take a closer look at the common knee injuries workers may suffer, their causes, and how to prevent accidents or injuries in the future.
Exploring Common Workplace Knee Injuries and Their Impact
The knee is one of the most vital joints in the body. Injuring it on the job can not only cause dull or shooting pain, but it can also severely restrict mobility. An unsafe work environment can cause employees to sustain any number of injuries, including:
- A dislocated knee
- Ligament and meniscus tears
- Tendinitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Patella fracture
While injured staff members may only focus on knee pain symptoms and causes, employers must be aware of the lasting impact of workplace accidents. Hurt employees often file workers’ compensation claims to pursue partial wages and covered medical costs during recovery. Approved claims could cause a business to pay more for workers’ comp insurance each year.
In addition, employers face productivity issues when staff need to take time off to recover from work-related knee injuries. Those in high-risk industries may even struggle with high turnover rates because of the prevalence of on-the-job injuries. To protect themselves and their staff, employers need to pinpoint the common causes of injuries and take proactive steps to prevent them.
What Causes Knee Injuries at Work?
It’s a common misconception that only those who perform physical labor are at risk of sustaining a workplace injury. In reality, employees across all sectors have to contend with occupational hazards. Some of the top causes of work-related knee injuries include:
- Unsafe surfaces: Businesses must take care of slippery or unsteady surfaces to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, as these often lead to workers’ compensation claims.
- Poor lighting: Dimly lit spaces make it difficult for people to navigate the area. Insufficient lighting could cause someone to miss a step and fall or hit their knee against another object.
- Overuse: Repetitive strain injuries often impact laborers who kneel or squat for prolonged periods, such as plumbers or floor installation professionals.
- Unsupportive footwear: Workers who spend most of the day on their feet could experience foot, knee, or leg pain due to inadequate footwear.
- Lack of protective equipment: At-risk workers can benefit from wearing knee pads or other protective gear. Failing to do so might make them more susceptible to injury.
Make Your Work Environment Safer With These Injury Prevention Tips
Doing your part to prevent work-related knee injuries not only keeps employees out of harm’s way but can also make for smoother operations. Follow these tips to prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
Provide Protective Gear
Industries that require staff to work on their knees could see the highest amount of reported injuries. Employers should offer cushioned knee pads or similar protective gear to minimize the stress on their joints. This simple measure can protect an employee’s health long-term.
Encourage Stretching and Rest
Physical labor that involves bending, kneeling, and lifting heavy objects can take a toll on knee joints. Even those at a desk job can experience joint pain if they sit in the same position for too long.
To prevent work-related knee injuries and other physical ailments, employers should remind staff to stretch throughout the day. Taking periodic breaks gives the legs the rest they need and helps workers recharge.
Rotate Job Duties
To preserve every employee’s musculoskeletal health, it might be beneficial to rotate their duties and reduce the strain on their bodies. This tactic might work best in industries involving physical labor, such as carpentry or construction.
Enhance Health and Safety Training
It never hurts to hold periodic training sessions outlining occupational hazards and prevention protocols. For instance, if a job requires a lot of heavy lifting, employers should train their staff on proper lifting techniques. Offer refresher courses every now and then to ensure everyone retains the information.
Tackle Occupational Safety Hazards With WorkSafe
Wichita-area employers concerned about work-related knee injuries or overexertion injuries in the workplace can partner with WorkSafe for custom solutions. Our occupational health experts can perform fit-for-duty exams on employees hoping to return after an injury. Our injury management services also include functional capacity evaluations, physical therapy, and more.
See how we can support you and your staff. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call (316) 262-8800.