Manual laborers sometimes have job duties that put stress on the knees. For example, carpet layers and landscapers usually have to kneel to complete their jobs. This puts a lot of pressure on the knees.
It’s up to employers to ensure that all workers have the tools and techniques they need to do their job duties safely. This includes things like wearing knee pads and having a basic understanding of body mechanics that can help them to avoid knee injuries.
How can you protect your knees?
One of the best things that you can do to keep your knees as healthy as possible is to get up and move around throughout the day. Stand and walk around instead of staying in a kneeling position. Walking around allows the synovial fluid to circulate as it should through the knee joint. This provides proper lubrication so the joint doesn’t rub more than necessary.
Another thing you should do is to pay attention to how your knees feel. If you notice any discomfort or pain in the knees, you may need to seek medical attention. The knees can suffer from cumulative trauma, which takes time to notice but can be very serious if it’s left untreated. The longer the injury persists, the worse the damage that will occur.
Manual laborers must ensure they take care of their knees. Any signs that something is amiss should be addressed immediately. Workers’ compensation coverage will take care of medical bills and provide other benefits for injured workers; however, some people may have to fight for what they’re due. Working with someone who understands your case and knows workers’ compensation laws is important.