FAQs - Lower Limb Disorders

What are LLDs?

Answer: Lower limb disorders (LLDs) affect the legs and feet, from hips to toes. About 80% of damage to the hips, knees and legs at work is due to overuse. Workers may report lower limb pain, aching and numbness without a specific disease being identified or present.

What causes LLDs?

Answer: Scientific evidence suggests that there are several recognised diseases of the lower limb which can be work related such as: hip and knee osteoarthritis; knee bursitis, meniscal lesions/tears; stress fracture/reaction injury and varicose veins of the lower legs.

What are the symptoms of LLDs?

Answer: Pain, tenderness or stiffness of the joint, unable to straighten or bend those joints. Tenderness aches and pains, stiffness, weakness, tingling, numbness, cramp and swelling to the muscles of the lower limbs. These symptoms may suggest overuse or some underlying condition and, if you are concerned, seek advice from your Doctor/GP.

How can I prevent LLDs?

Answer: Because most injury happens as a result of overuse, the most effective way to reduce the risk is to avoid overuse by providing/using mechanical aids or rotate duties to reduce the time spent carrying out a 'risky' task and give time for recovery. Where possible, provide seating rather than requiring squatting or kneeling and have regular breaks.  Provide personal protective equipment such as:

• Knee pads to protect the knee while kneeling on hard floor surfaces and preventing lacerations and penetrating injuries and improving comfort.
• Anti-fatigue matting may be effective in reducing the risks from prolonged standing.  But using the mats in the workplace requires careful consideration because of the increased risk from slips and trips. 
• Shock absorbing insoles and modified shoes: There is limited evidence that using these aids reduces the risk.  The positive effects are mainly in respect of injuries from vertical impact loads.

What law applies to LLDs?

Answer: Employers have legal duties under:

• the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974; and
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

These duties include ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of employees at work, and assessing and reducing potential risks to their health, safety and wellbeing. Employers have a duty to do something if there is a problem which is causing or aggravating existing symptoms this may include providing protective clothing or referral to an occupational health provider for some medical help.