According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the most prevalent types of injuries is knee injuries, with more than 100,000 workers experiencing them annually.
Working can be tough on your body. You may experience sore muscles, aching joints, and even injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the most prevalent types of injuries is knee injuries, with more than 100,000 workers experiencing them annually.
If your job places you at high risk for knee injuries, this article will share six tips that you can use to prevent knee injuries from happening.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Most work-related knee injuries arise from a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings. You can protect yourself from knee injuries by keeping your head up and being aware of your surroundings and the dangers that may present themselves. Avoid distractions and make a habit of scanning your work area before beginning any tasks. Also, if you are working with machines, always read the safety manual beforehand and follow all safety protocols.
In addition, always make sure your workstation is free of clutter and tripping hazards. This includes keeping cords and wires out of the way and making sure that you’re not standing in anything slippery.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Exercises, particularly knee strengthening exercises, can also help prevent knee injuries. Consider starting with simple strengthening exercises such as straight leg raises, walking, wall squats, and step-ups. Then, as you get stronger, you can add more challenging exercises to your routine.
Exercising can also help you lose weight. Excess weight puts undue stress on your knees, raising your risk for knee degeneration and injuries.
You should always remember to speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Use Appropriate Gear
If your job involves a lot of lifting, carrying, or pushing heavy objects, it is important to use the appropriate gear. This includes wearing supportive shoes with nonskid soles and using knee pads when necessary.
Stretch Before You Start Working
Before you start working, take a few minutes to stretch. Stretching helps warm up your muscles and joints and prepares them for work. This, in turn, helps prevent knee injuries from happening in the first place.
When stretching, be sure to stretch all the muscle groups, including your hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, lower back, etc. Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds.
Take Frequent Breaks
To avoid work-related fatigue, which can lead to accidents or mistakes that could lead to knee injuries, take frequent breaks throughout the day. During your break, be sure to move around and stretch.
Know When to Stop
Listen to your body. If you are experiencing knee pain, stop what you are doing and take a break. Continuing to work through the pain will only aggravate the injury and lead to long-term damage.
Following these tips can help prevent work-related knee injuries from occurring. However, knee injuries can still happen.
If, despite taking precautions, you find yourself with a work-related knee injury, reach out to our experienced workers’ comp attorneys at The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman right away. Our experienced St. Louis workers compensation attorneys can evaluate your case for free and help you determine what benefits you are entitled to.