

Solution: Knee Pads

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	Description:	Workers who kneel put 89% of their body weight on a small surface area. Prolonged kneeling can often lead to injury. Knee pads help you protect your knees by distributing your weight over a larger surface area and reduce the force on your knee caps. Knee pads come in a variety of materials, such as felt, rubber, polyurethane, or plastics. Some knee pads are strapped around the leg and placed over or under clothing, whereas others are inserted into knee pockets of specially designed work pants. One type of knee pad can also convert into a seating device while kneeling. Knee pads should fit snuggly, but should not disrupt circulation to the lower extremities. The quality of knee pads differ based on the materials, weight, and water permeability. Knee pads may need to be replaced often as the pads flatten over time. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Working in a prolonged kneeling position can cause prepatellar bursitis. Prepatellar bursitis is the inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, the flat sac on the front of the kneecap (patella); when the bursa is irritated, fluid enters the bursa causing swelling and pain. Knee pads can alleviate the cumulative pressure and force from kneeling.
	How Risks are Reduced:	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. Knee pads help protect your knees by distributing your weight over a larger surface area and reduce the force passed on to the knee cap.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Independent studies have shown an association between musculoskeletal disorders and awkward postures (e.g. kneeling), and contact stresses (e.g contact pressures are concentrated in a small area). Knee pads are used to protect the knee by distributing your weight over a larger surface area and reducing the force passed on to soft and hard tissue. Several companies produce knee pads in a variety of styles and claim that their products are able reduce exposure to contact stresses on the knee by distributing forces over a larger area. Additionally knee pads can protect workers from abrasions. Most workers that spend large portions of their time kneeling positions use knee pads. There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using knee pads on reducing knee-related musculoskeletal disorders. Regardless, health and safety experts believe that workers will be more comfortably and less likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders if they use knee pads due to reduced exposure to known risk factors.
	Effects on Productivity:	Reducing discomfort associated with kneeling on hard surfaces for prolonged periods may increase productivity because workers would presumably be able to work for longer periods without standing up.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers of knee pads believe that workers who are more comfortable are more productive. The manufacturers believe that their knee pads will reduce knee discomfort in the operator. Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because: 1) individuals can work for longer periods with fewer breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Dehaus DH100 Knee Pads For purchasing information, visit http://www.dehaus.biz/ or contact at 1-608-408-4607 or info@dehaus.biz Duluth Trading DTPro Knee Pads For purchasing information, visit http://www.duluthtrading.com or contact at 1-800-505-8888 or keneepad@netscape.net K2S Kraft Seat For purchasing information, visit http://k2skraftseat.com/ or contact at 1-888-527-3220 or http://k2skraftseat.com/?page_id=19 Kenee Pads For purchasing information, visit http://www.keneepad.com/order.htm or contact at 1-631-357-3135 or customerservice@duluthtrading.com
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Paints & Coatings Apply street markings Kneeling & Squatting Paint machinery, piping, signs, etc. Kneeling & Squatting Perform abrasive blasting Kneeling & Squatting Prepare surfaces with hand tools Kneeling & Squatting Pressure wash, and use chemicals for surface prep and stripping Kneeling & Squatting Tape and sand wallboard Kneeling & Squatting