Across Australia and New Zealand, knee protection is crucial in physically demanding industries. According to SafeWork Australia, this is a major concern in those roles that require prolonged kneeling, squatting, crouching, and working in confined spaces or on uneven surfaces, which can significantly strain and injure the knees if appropriate protective measures are not taken. This stat might bring you to your knees, but according to a report, in terms of work-related injuries, the knee accounts for 13.2% of all musculoskeletal injuries in Australia.
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Workers can face several risks
- Repetitive Motion: Frequent kneeling, crawling, or bending can lead to repetitive motion injuries, such as bursitis or tendinitis, which cause inflammation and pain in the knee joints.
- Impact Injuries: Workers may be exposed to falling objects or sudden impacts while working on construction sites, which can result in fractures or other serious knee injuries.
- Uneven Surfaces: Working on uneven or unstable surfaces increases the likelihood of trips, slips, and falls, potentially leading to knee injuries.
Understanding the Risks
Without protection, workers are at risk of bursitis of the knee, this condition refers to the inflammation of the bursae located around the knee joint. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, but due to stress and repeated pressure, they can become inflamed. The good news is that bursitis of the knee can be effectively avoided with adequate knee protection.
The Importance of Knee Protection
Proper knee protection offers numerous benefits, including:
- Injury Prevention: High-quality knee pads and other protective gear act as a barrier between the knees and hard surfaces, reducing the risk of impact injuries and repetitive strain.
- Increased Comfort: Wearing knee pads provides cushioning and support, reducing discomfort associated with prolonged kneeling or crouching.
- Improved Productivity: By safeguarding knee health, workers can perform their tasks with increased focus, efficiency, and reduced discomfort, thereby enhancing overall productivity.
Types of Knee Protection
Knee pads come in various designs, including strap-on, slip-on, and built-in options. At Pryme, we have knee pads with shock-absorbing materials and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
>> The ProFlex 350 Gel Foam Knee Pads are cushioned with NBR foam and EVA foam padding for all-around protection, support and stability. For long-lasting use on the toughest worksites, these pads are made with a 1680D ballistic nylon shell and an abrasion-resistant 420D nylon rubber cap.
>> The ProFlex 360 Hard Shell Hinged Knee Pads feature an ergonomic hinge design that is built to keep protection comfortably in place whether walking, crawling, or kneeling. The combination of a heavy-duty hard shell with a soft non-marring cap makes these pads versatile for protection on any indoor or outdoor surface—no matter how abrasive or delicate.
>> The ProFlex 367 Lightweight Gel Knee Pads feature a rounded cap for the highest degree of mobility, keeping knees protected when rocking and leaning. The lightweight gel and EVA foam padding provide comfort and support without the bulk of heavier knee pads.
“The 367 is the perfect blend of protection, comfort and price. Flexible outer cap for penetration protection with a deep hexagonal tread that provides non-slip properties. Surrounded by breathable mesh fabric and supported by a thick neoprene strap improves comfort over all other knee pads. The lightweight gel insert feels like you are kneeling on a cloud even after long periods and ensures the total weight of the knee pad is kept to a minimum. This knee pad truly is the bee’s knees!“
MARTIN KOEN, ACCOUNT MANAGER / PRYME
Kneeling pads offer compression and support to reduce strain and inflammation. They are especially useful for workers with pre-existing knee conditions and we have the best on the market!
>> The ProFlex 380 385 390 Kneeling Pad, provides cushioning comfort and knee protection for static kneeling situations. This kneeling mat is made with thick nitrile rubber (NBR) closed-cell foam which will keep its shape over time and won’t absorb liquids.
>> The ProFlex 381 Lightweight Standard Foam Kneeling Pad is a portable solution for comfort in a variety of static kneeling applications. Increase productivity and prevent common knee injuries with this pain-free kneeling pad.
Choosing the Right Knee Protection
Selecting suitable knee protection depends on the nature of the work. Consider the following factors:
- Comfort and Mobility: Opt for knee protection that allows freedom of movement and is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Durability: Look for knee pads or kneeling pads made from robust materials that can withstand the rigours of the work environment.
- Size and Fit: Ensure the knee protection fits properly to maximize effectiveness. Consider adjustable straps or options available in different sizes to accommodate various leg dimensions.
By understanding the risks involved and implementing suitable knee protection measures, workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of knee injuries. Remember to prioritise comfort, mobility, and durability when selecting knee protection, and encourage regular exercise and proper techniques to maintain knee health. It is essential for employers and workers to work together to create a safe and healthy work environment that promotes the well-being of everyone involved.
At Pryme, we understand the importance of safety in high-risk industries, and we are committed to providing you with the knowledge to keep your workplace safe. Our TOOLBOX TALKS program offers a wide range of safety training sessions, delivered by our experienced safety professionals.
REFERENCES:
- SafeWork Australia – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/lifting-pushing-and-pulling-manual-tasks
- SafeWork Australia – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1905/model-cop-hazardous-manual-tasks.pdf
- SafeWork Australia – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1702/statistics_on_work-related_musculoskeletal_disorders.pdf
- BetterHealth VIC – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bursitis#what-is-bursiti
Make no mistake about it, if you telemark, it’s not a matter of if, but when you will need a pair of knee pads to save your precious knees. You can make all the excuses you want about how your stance is tall and you never ski low so your knees aren’t at risk but time and numbers (probability & statistics) are against you.
The unique mechanics of the telemark turn require one knee or the other to be closer to the ground and potential trouble with each and every turn, especially compared to alpine skiing or snowboarding. Inevitably you’re going to hit something whether you just compress, hook a tip, or bury a ski in such a way that your trailing knee drives straight into the ground and collides with whatever is there.
Most of the time that will simply be a pile of soft snow. But it only takes one time for that to change and the results could be disastrous.
A personal example should be sufficient to reveal the fallacy of thinking you’re immune from smacking your knees while telemarking. Thanks to the example of a friend who clipped a rock with his knee and drew blood I was already a card carrying member of the knee pad clad tele tribe. However, on this particular tour I didn’t think I needed the pads. It was early season and there wasn’t enough snow covering the rocks to be able to do anything steep, and I reasoned I was good enough that I wouldn’t be skiing aggressive or low so I didn’t need to wear the knee pads. To add insult to injury, they were in my pack, but not on my knees.
So I’m cruising through the trees and decide to turn a bit harder to avoid an obstacle. I genuflect a bit deeper, hit a patch of hollow snow and slide to a baseball stop with my knee connecting with a medium sized chunk of granite hidden beneath the surface.
“Owwww! Son of a biscuit!!!”
The rock connected just above the knee cap where the ligaments tie under the knee. I was lucky since it only caused some deep tissue pain but also knew from the nausea I felt welling up it was more than just a bruise. I hobbled out for about a mile, then limped for another two weeks before I felt I could walk normally. The pain didn’t completely go away until late summer, eight months after the fact. I still have a small knot of damaged tissue after 14 years. It could have been a lot worse and serves to remind me to always wear knee pads now when I’m telemarking. Always.
Besides wearing the knee pads for protection while skiing, I find they have a couple of side benefits. Most importantly they help to keep my knees warm. This seems like a small thing but I believe while my muscles are still warming up this additional insulation helps prevent injury.
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Secondly, there are many times when it may be important to kneel in the snow — like digging snowpits or latching the heel lever of a cable binding. Without knee pads I’m more reluctant to do so for the simple fact that this move means my knees will get iced down in the cold snow. With knee pads on this is no big deal. This, by the way, is a solid reason for snowboarders to use knee pads as well, since they are constantly kneeling in the snow.
There are also plenty of times I end up knocking snow off my ski pole baskets. A simple rap on the knee pad shells does the trick and my knees are no worse for the wear.
Inside or Outside
This question always comes up. Should I wear my knee pads inside my pants or fastened around the outside? If your ski pants don’t have roomy, articulated knees, the lack of room demands you put ‘em on the outside. Most folks I know wear ‘em inside for two reasons. One, so they are less conspicuous, and two, so you get the true benefit of the additional insulation and warmth they provide — regardless of the dangers of flying low to the ground. Added to these reasons is the fact that knee pads worn outside your pants will collect snow. This of course means you’ll soon be skiing with ice packs on your knees. Ironically this could be beneficial should you actually trash a knee. But until you bang your knee, I think you’ll prefer the warmth.
Friends also routinely ask me what the best knee pad for telemarking is. In short, the pair you’re willing to wear.
If you’re on a tight budget, or your local shop is out of stock, you can pick up a pair of knee pads at most hardware stores. While not necessarily optimal they will work. Hardware store kneepads unfortunately do tend to be bulky, and/or, they don’t stay in place well. Every knee pad below is low enough profile to fit under a properly designed ski pant, and they stay put — meaning they don’t ride up or down your legs while walking, skiing, or kneeling.
Arc’teryx Knee Caps
Weight: 5.5 oz. (155 g) • MSRP: $59.00
What do users of the Arc’teryx Knee Caps like most? Besides the low profile it boils down to two factors. First, they stay put and don’t slide down your leg or ride up the knee thanks to an elastic upper strap, and solid strap of webbing below the knee. Secondly, they provide thicker foam and thus more warmth. The hard plastic shell extends below below the knee cap to help protect your upper shin, but is prone to cracking.
Weight: 5.5 oz. (155 g) • MSRP: $59.00What do users of the Arc’teryx Knee Caps like most? Besides the low profile it boils down to two factors. First, they stay put and don’t slide down your leg or ride up the knee thanks to an elastic upper strap, and solid strap of webbing below the knee. Secondly, they provide thicker foam and thus more warmth. The hard plastic shell extends below below the knee cap to help protect your upper shin, but is prone to cracking.
Black Diamond TeleKneesis
Weight/pair: 8.5 oz. (240 g) • MSRP: $39.95
I’ve been using the same pair of Telekneesis pads for six years now. They keep my knees warm, and fit under my ski pants with very little excess bulk. The foam padding is thin, but so far appears adequate. The straps hold securely above and below the knee, keeping these pads where they belong. The upper strap is elastic, to allow for expansion and contraction of your thigh muscles above the knee, while the lower strap is solid webbing, preventing the knee pad from sliding down your leg. These straps have padding on them as well to provide some protection to your lower thigh and upper shin. The knee cap tends to bunch up, but you won’t notice while skiing, only when you’re ready to take them off at the end of the day.
Weight/pair: 8.5 oz. (240 g) • MSRP: $39.95I’ve been using the same pair of Telekneesis pads for six years now. They keep my knees warm, and fit under my ski pants with very little excess bulk. The foam padding is thin, but so far appears adequate. The straps hold securely above and below the knee, keeping these pads where they belong. The upper strap is elastic, to allow for expansion and contraction of your thigh muscles above the knee, while the lower strap is solid webbing, preventing the knee pad from sliding down your leg. These straps have padding on them as well to provide some protection to your lower thigh and upper shin. The knee cap tends to bunch up, but you won’t notice while skiing, only when you’re ready to take them off at the end of the day.
Voile Knee Pads
MSRP: $32.00
The beauty of these pads, besides a compelling price, is a solid latch that won’t wear out over time as Velcro has a tendency to do. These pads lack a solid shell of protection below the knee, but do provide plenty of padding for warmth and enough for protecting your upper shin.
MSRP: $32.00The beauty of these pads, besides a compelling price, is a solid latch that won’t wear out over time as Velcro has a tendency to do. These pads lack a solid shell of protection below the knee, but do provide plenty of padding for warmth and enough for protecting your upper shin.
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