Positioning the Body to Reduce MSD Injury Risk: Focus on the Knee

Knee injuries represent half of all lower extremity lost-time claims in Ontario.

mannequins showing examples of how to position the knee when doing a lunge, with the hips knee and ankle aligned
  • The knee is strongest and has the lowest risk of injury when it is lined up with the hips and toes and bodyweight is in the middle of the foot.
  • This allows the knee to: 
    • Work harder, longer and more efficiently. 
    • Tolerate higher work demands.

Whole body positioning should be part of a holistic ergonomics program that involves engineering and administrative controls for modifiable tasks. The hierarchy of controls should be followed when addressing hazards.

Examples of Tasks

mannequins showing examples of how to position the knee when lifting a box or pulling a rope, with the hips knee and ankle aligned

Did you know?

  • A) The knee is more prone to injury when it collapses inward.
  • The result of knee injuries are:
    • Absenteeism
    • Reduced strength
    • Delayed return to work

Keep in mind 

  • When handling heavy (and awkward) loads:
    • B) Limit side-to-side bending and twisting of the knee
    • C) Line up tip of knee cap over middle toe of foot
    • Keep body weight centered on bottom of foot for balance
    • Where possible, reduce frequency and duration of load handling
GREEN – No action required if tasks are not held or repeated for long periods and no MSD symptoms are reported. Continue to monitor for MSD symptoms and check after workplace or process changes. YELLOW – Investigations and improvement needed in the longer term. Investigation and improvement needed immediately if MSD symptoms are present. ORANGE – Further assessment or improvement needed immediately.
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Positioning the Body to Reduce MSD Injury Risk: Focus on the Knee (2 page PDF)
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