Knee osteoarthritis among construction and agriculture workers

Construction and agriculture workers are critical to New York’s economy. Yet, those who work in both industries often face dangerous working conditions on a daily basis in order to earn a living.

According to a recent study conducted in Australia and published in Wiley Online Library in July 2020, one of the risks that construction and agriculture workers face is knee osteoarthritis. Researchers at the University of Sydney found that this is due to the physical demands of both occupations.

What did the study find?

Researchers in the study analyzed data from 71 studies involving on-the-job exposure and knee osteoarthritis that included more than 950,000 participants. That study found that in comparison to occupations with low levels of physical activity:

• Agricultural workers are 64 percent more likely to sustain knee osteoarthritis.
• Builders and floor layers are 63 percent more likely.

In addition, the study found that other workers who are at high risk include metal workers, miners, cleaners and service workers.

Knee osteoarthritis is often linked to heavy lifting and frequent climbing, as well as long term kneeling, squatting and standing.

In order to prevent this condition, especially among older workers, the study’s lead author Xia Wang said in a July 8 press release that, “tailored preventive strategies need to be implemented early on to adapt the aging workforces in many countries that push for longer employment trajectories.”

What is knee osteoarthritis?

According to WebMD, knee osteoarthritis is often age-related, but can also affect young people. This condition is often regarded as “wear and tear arthritis.” It occurs when the natural cushioning between the knee bones wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. As a result, people with this condition experience pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of mobility and occasionally the formation of bone spurs.

While anyone can sustain osteoarthritis, the risk for it generally increases at the age of 45. According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis affects 27 million people across the United States. The knee is one of the most commonly impacted areas.

While knee osteoarthritis is often linked to repetitive stress and age, weight and genes can also play a factor. Knee osteoarthritis is often diagnosed through X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

How can I collect workers’ compensation for knee osteoarthritis?

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP Attorneys At Law handles workers’ compensation cases involving job-related repetitive stress injuries. We serve clients throughout NYC and across New York State.

If you sustained knee osteoarthritis or any other repetitive stress injury on the job, our attorneys can help you get compensated for wage loss, as well as current and future medical expenses. Getting workers’ compensation benefits in New York isn’t easy. Let our experienced legal team help you through this complex process. Contact us online to learn more.