In numerous countries, including the United States, arthritis in the knee is among the leading causes of missed work and disability. What may cause this degenerative joint disease known as knee osteoarthritis?
Consistent work-related actions such as lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, squatting and climbing stairs take a toll on a worker’s knees. This health condition wears down the cartilage – which cushions the knee joints. Pain and loss of mobility soon follow as the bones rub together. But not all conditions are covered under the law. So if you suffered a knee injury at work, you should ask a workers’ compensation attorney whether your injury qualifies as a workers’ compensation injury.
Total knee replacement possible
In many of these situations, total knee replacement represents the sole solution to fixing the underlying problem, and the recovery may take many months. That potentially means many months of not earning an income that you and your family have long depended on.
Anyone in this predicament deserves to know their rights under the workers’ compensation law.
Agriculture workers, carpenters and house workers
According to a study by researchers in the United Kingdom and Australia, an assortment of blue-collar workers is more susceptible to knee injuries, arthritis of the knee along with knee replacement. The list includes:
- Agriculture workers
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Cleaners
- Construction workers
- Floor layers
- House workers
- Miners
- Service workers
The study conducted by the Universities of Oxford, Southampton (both in the UK) and Sydney (Australia) reviewed cases involving nearly 1 million people. Another critical study conclusion: Employers must give greater all-around attention to work health and safety practices, including for workers in traditionally non-physical jobs.
Employers must better protect workers
Knee injuries go far beyond arthritis and include ailments related to torn and damaged ligaments and tendons. These are serious injuries that can affect the livelihood of any worker. Employers must take more initiative in protecting workers and helping them avoid knee injuries.
