Preventing Knee Injuries and Disorders in Carpet Layers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests assistance in preventing knee injuries and disorders among carpet layers. These workers frequently report bursitis of the knee, fluid buildup requiring knee aspiration (knee taps), skin infections of the knee, and a variety of knee symptoms that are caused by frequent kneeling on hard surfaces and use of the knee kicker for stretching wall-to-wall carpet.

Although kneeling cannot be eliminated, carpet layers should wear protective knee pads whenever kneeling on hard surfaces. In addition, they should use the power stretcher--a safe alternative to the knee kicker that does not use the knee. Employers should ensure that each carpet layer is trained in the proficient use of the power stretcher and that a sufficient number of these devices are available to each crew of carpet installers.

NIOSH requests that the recommendations in this Alert be brought to the attention of carpet layers and contractors by the following individuals: employers of carpet layers (such as building contractors and carpet retailers), trade union representatives, instructors at carpet installation schools, manufacturers and dealers of carpet and carpet-stretching devices, editors of appropriate trade journals, and safety and health officials.