Brass Knuckle Ergonomic Body Protection

New knee pad and back support products to help prevent worker injury and alleviate musculoskeletal disorders

Brass Knuckle® has launched a line of ergonomically designed occupational body protection products under their SmartShell™ brand. These modern, lightweight protection products come in styles designed to keep workers in compliance. The new offerings include three different styles of knee pads and an adjustable back support.

body protectionErgonomics—the science of fitting a job to a person—can have a positive effect on worker productivity. Brass Knuckle ergonomic body protection is designed to help alleviate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a class of occupational injuries that, according to OSHA, are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.

MSDs affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Risk factors at work include lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, kneeling for prolonged periods of time, pushing and pulling heavy loads, and working in awkward body postures. Repetitive motion can also cause MSDs. Ergonomically designed products can help lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity, and reduce the number and severity of work-related MSDs.

The knee pads provide protection and stability while retaining the needed occupational flexibility for workers whose jobs require periods of kneeling. The line includes a variety of application-specific choices. The BKKN100 light-duty cushioned pads provide comfort and protection for short-term applications, while the heavy-duty BKKN200 offers a contoured hard cap for longer wear. The BKKN300 heavier-duty pads feature gel-injected cushioning for all day wear, with a broad cap that redirects pressure away from the kneecap while helping maintain stability. Corner glides facilitate sliding and scooting.

The ergonomic line expansion also includes a back-support product, which features elastic suspenders to distribute body stress and tapered abdominal panels to conform to different body sizes. While back supports can help control posture and promote positive, safer lifting habits, workers should be reminded to always lift properly and be aware of the risks of over-lifting. Back injuries can be costly to businesses, and account for 20% of workplace injuries—the single largest category of injuries.

Aggressive growth of the ergonomic line is planned throughout 2017.