Knee Protection
Flooring installers, tile setters, concrete finishers, roofers and electricians spend hours on their knees. Over time this causes knee bursitis, cartilage damage and arthritis.
- Construction
What kneeling does to your knees
- Bursitis (“carpet layer’s knee”): the fluid sac in front of the kneecap swells from pressure and friction. It can become infected.
- Meniscus tears: deep squatting and twisting while kneeling wear down and tear the cartilage cushions inside the knee.
- Osteoarthritis: years of kneeling and squatting raise the risk of arthritis, which can end a career early.
- Nerve and skin damage from kneeling on rough, cold or wet surfaces.
Trades with the most kneeling (flooring, tile, carpet, concrete finishing, roofing, framing, plumbing, electrical rough-in) have much higher rates of knee problems than average.
Choosing knee pads
- Hard-cap pads: slide and pivot easily; good on rough surfaces like concrete and gravel.
- Soft-cap pads: don’t scratch finished floors.
- Gel or foam pads spread pressure better for long kneeling.
- Pants with knee pad pockets keep pads in place.
- Straps should be snug but not cut off circulation behind the knee.
Matching pads to the job
| Work | Good choice |
|---|---|
| Concrete, gravel, rough framing | Hard cap with thick foam or gel; strapped |
| Finished floors, tile, hardwood | Soft or non-marring cap |
| Roofing on slopes | Pads with grip, not slick caps that slide |
| Electrical and plumbing, in and out of position all day | Pants with knee pad pockets and inserts |
| Long periods in one spot | Kneeling mat or board, plus pads |
| Wet or cold surfaces | Waterproof pads or a closed-cell foam mat |
Some knee pads are tested to the European standard EN 14404, which rates puncture resistance and pressure spreading. There’s no specific OSHA knee pad standard, but employers must assess hazards and provide the PPE the job needs.
Fit and care
- The pad centers on the kneecap and stays there when you kneel and stand
- Upper strap snug; lower strap loose enough not to dig into the back of the knee (some workers skip the lower strap for this reason)
- Foam or gel still springs back; caps not cracked
- Straps and buckles hold
- Pads cleaned so grit doesn’t rub your skin
Kneel less
- Use stand-up tools: long-handled floor scrapers, tile cutters on a table, bull floats.
- Use kneeling boards, rolling creepers or stools for low work.
- Raise work to waist height on benches or horses when possible.
- Change positions and take standing breaks often.
- Replace worn-out pads.
- Stretch your legs and hips before and after long kneeling tasks. See Stretch & Flex.
See a doctor if: your knee is swollen, red, hot, locks or catches, gives way, or hurts at night. Early treatment of bursitis and meniscus problems can prevent long-term damage. A work-related injury may be covered by workers’ compensation. See Workers’ Compensation.
Standards & references
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