Plumber’s Knees: it’s the underlying health issue known by plumbers nationwide – but may still come as quite a shock to those not in the trade.
It’s the news that was recently revealed in an article, published by The IPG last year, that found a staggering 75% of working plumbers will experience problems with their knees as a result of the hard graft and constant kneeling associated with the profession. And perhaps even more worryingly, it was also found that a mere 41% of those asked had taken action, and actually discussed their ailment with their GP.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that poor health and safety can cause big pay-outs for companies, not to mention a substantial loss of revenue for independents or those in self-employment. To put it into context, over the year 2017-18, a staggering 30.7 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and injury, costing an estimated £15 billion. If plumber’s knees aren’t enough to make your eyes water – that price tag certainly is!
The study, which was conducted by The IPG, the UK’s largest and fastest growing membership group for independent plumbers, heating and bathroom specialists, also found that 57% of plumbers surveyed felt that they would need to undergo a knee replacement surgery in the future, as a result of the demanding nature of the job. A further 59% felt that they would be forced to retire early as a result, and with the state pension in the UK currently 66, and the possibility of it rising to 67 in future years, it’s a very real issue currently facing the future of many tradespeople in the UK.
That’s why, following the findings of their study, and in a bid to continue to raise awareness of the condition currently sweeping the plumber’s nation, The IPG are set to run a campaign this month on their social media channels, giving their followers the chance to snap up a free pair of knee pads, kindly provided by Lecico.
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