are knee problems common among electrical workers?

[ptonsparky]

Tried mechanics chairs, when I did homes, knee pads, etc, but a good young apprentice or two were the most help for sore knees, back aches. I don't sleep as well after a days work now but I don't require pain pills either.

 

[Mike03a3]

I don't know about you electricians, but knees (amongst other things) are becoming a problem for an old, fat, EE.

 

[ceknight]

.....I had to wd 40 the owners side cutters to get them to open .He sat on the floor like an indian in front of a fire.As a side note i had to help him up from each box he sat in front of.So much for desk work LOL LOL LOL

Fortunately I haven't reached that point yet. I still get up off the floor by myself.

 

[dduffee260]

I too filled out your survey. I can't say that my knee problems are actually work related. I did however have to get a needle, the size of a Klien #1 phillips screwdriver stuck in my knee and they pulled a turkey baster size syringe of yellow junk from it. I think it is more like a gout condition than an injury. That day my knee hurt so bad it made me sick to my stomach for a little while. Since then it has been fairly painful at times but usually goes away. I tried to be safe when I am at work. My injuries have been very minor so far. About the only thing I get hurt while on the job are my feelings. Didn't find a survey for that injury. I am in agreement with everyone about the pad protection when kneeling. Man it sure does make a difference.

 

[vergeront]

electrician out of local 440

electrician out of local 440

I'am a female electrictian so I'am closer to the ground when doing receptacles but try a skate board to sit on while doing receptacles. Also keeping fit with working out at the gym a couple times a week believe it or not will keep you going for all long time. Your body joints will appreciate it.
I'am 55 years old and still getting it done.
yours
from sunny southern california

 

[RayS]

yours
from sunny southern california

ahh, methinks the sunny cali helps out a bit...

in re: the op, I think part of the problem with knees may be from standing on ladders- the going up and down can be seen as exercise, but the fixed position for extended periods can be a problem for me- maybe I just need to work faster...

 

[JohnJ0906]

I usually don't have a problem with step ladders, but extention ladders bother my feet after a few minutes. (The narrow rungs)

 

[e150club]

knees , back and carpel tunel

knees , back and carpel tunel

i did electrical mechanical maintnance for over 20 years. a lot of the work was crawling around machinery and lifting motors and other heavy items from under the equipment as well as running pipe along the 26' high rafters. i now have 5 bad discs and knees that crack every time i get up from a crouched position or hurt after a long walk. i also have slight carpel tunel in both wrists mostly my right as im right handed. hope i helped ..

 

[allenwayne]

Not trying to get away from the OP but who here suffers from neck problems.The doctors call it cervical stenosis.(fusing of the vertibrates)I found a wonderful procedure that is noninvasive that works 100%.The cost is pricey but the returns out pass the cost.Anyone that wants to know about it please message me and I would be glad to share the info.

All those years working overhead on a ladder took the toll on me.

 

[dlhoule]

Gosh, some of you guys sound like you are getting old. If I can make 3 more years, I will have been working as an electrician for 50 years (and I think I'll make it). I have had 4 epidurals in my back + rotator cuff surgery in recent years. I also had knee surgery back in the 60's, but the doctors claim that was from a football injury. I don't know what caused the back problem, but the shoulder was from playing basketball with them dam young 14 & 14 year old kids. I am still kind of stupid about some things. I can remember being told I couldn't use a ratcheting screwdriver.

IMO anything a person can do to minimize possibility of any type of injury or problem should be taken advantage of. For instance; it is a lot easier getting a hole through concrete walls now that we do not need a hammer and star drill to do it. People are always coming up with labor saving ideas in regard to tools and methods. Use them whenever possible.

 

[allenwayne]

Gosh, some of you guys sound like you are getting old. If I can make 3 more years, I will have been working as an electrician for 50 years (and I think I'll make it). I have had 4 epidurals in my back + rotator cuff surgery in recent years. I also had knee surgery back in the 60's, but the doctors claim that was from a football injury. I don't know what caused the back problem, but the shoulder was from playing basketball with them dam young 14 & 14 year old kids. I am still kind of stupid about some things. I can remember being told I couldn't use a ratcheting screwdriver.

IMO anything a person can do to minimize possibility of any type of injury or problem should be taken advantage of. For instance; it is a lot easier getting a hole through concrete walls now that we do not need a hammer and star drill to do it. People are always coming up with labor saving ideas in regard to tools and methods. Use them whenever possible.[/QUOTE

The guy that I broke in with handed me a 2 in star drill and a 10 lb hammer by the time I learned to use it with one hand I could zip my zipper but the other could crush a Volkswagon.BTW when a helper complains that all they get to do is chip chip chip,I get the old rusty but trusty star drill out and that same 10 lb. hammer.By the days end they beg for that roto hammer .

 

[muskiedog]

Just returned from having my meniscus repaired. Age is catching up. Crawling around under equipment, bending, all the time, tight spaces, doing dumb thinks have all contributed. Army and being a gymnast did not help. Young and dumb, i can do anything. Old a wiser get the kid to do it.

Ha Ha

 

[allenwayne]

My post must have teed some people off, 3 deleted posts after what I said,sorry IWIRE