KneeLok Knee Guard Protector, KneeLok’s paramount knee guard, offers superior protection to mineworkers against injuries to knees while working on tasks in low stopes in underground environments. Designed to be comfortable, lightweight, strong and durable, KneeLok is specifically manufactured with the mineworker in mind.
Worldwide, countries are revising regulations that fall under the field of their Mine and Health Safety (MHS) legislation to facilitate the creation of a healthy and safe environment for mineworkers. In South Africa’s context, this is the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA).
For mining companies, this necessitates continuously identifying and mitigating risks in their operations from mine to mill. Pertaining to ensuring that their employees work comfortably in cramped conditions, the Chief Executive of KneeLok, Clyde Lok, advises mining companies that one of the guaranteed ways that should be considered is investing in KneeLok knee guards. “Knee guards offer protection for users working in cramped conditions, such as underground mining. KneeLok can help mining companies comply with MHSA,” Lok says, recommending mines to use KneeLok’s flagship knee guard, KneeLok Knee Guard Protector. KneeLok may also prove useful where workers such as plumbers and tilers need to work on their knees for long periouds.
The KneeLok knee guard was first developed in Germany to help protect miners’ knees in harsh mining environments. It was introduced to South Africa in 1983, when Specialised Belting became the sole local manufacturer of the iconic brand.
Designed with the mineworker in mind
KneeLok knee guards tick all the boxes for mining-specific knee guards. Designed to be comfortable, lightweight, strong and durable, they are specifically manufactured with the mineworker in mind. This is prominent through the following features – the outer shell, the inner comfort padding cushion, and attachment straps.
- The outer shell
The outer shell is injection moulded in two pieces, using crack-resistant polypropylene, which is hinged to allow free movement through a 90° angle.
- Inner comfort padding cushion
The inner comfort padding cushion consists of a skinned polyurethane sponge of sufficient density to ensure that the cushioning doesn’t collapse and is soft enough to provide effective comfort when kneeling. The skinned surface of the inner cushion also prevents water absorption.
- Attachment straps
Attachment straps are manufactured from a high-quality natural rubber compound, with a tensile strength of 18 Mpa or greater. The straps are designed to be sufficiently elastic so as not to cause discomfort, yet strong enough to endure tough conditions.
Lok explains the convenience of the straps: “A major advantage of the KneeLok knee guard is that it can be strapped on before going underground. This is because it does not restrict normal movement such as walking or climbing, and it is designed to remain in position for as long as required.”
Wide usage in underground mines
KneeLok knee guards enjoy wide usage in tough underground mining operations, especially in low stopes where operators work in cramped conditions. The renowned South African Proto teams, who risk their lives to save trapped miners, have also used the product extensively in the past.
Commitment to durability and comfort
As KneeLok positions itself to serve existing and new clientele in 2022 and beyond, Lok affirms the company’s commitment to manufacturing the most durable and comfortable knee protection available, affording every worker the right to protection from injury or harm. “In the past 38 years, we have provided our KneeLok’s to all corners of the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe South Africa and northern African countries. In 2022, continuing with the same spirit we are aiming to grow the footprint of our niche market.”
