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EN 14404
The European standard for knee protectors (kneepads) used during kneeling work.
Alsico designs and supplies workwear certified to EN 14404, providing knee protection for employees required to be in kneeling positions at work, such as in construction and warehouses. Our garments combine comfort, durability, and compliance, ensuring teams remain safe while performing demanding tasks.
what is EN 14404?
EN 14404 is a European standard that specifies the performance and design requirements for knee protection used in occupations that involve prolonged or repeated kneeling. It is designed to reduce the risk of knee injuries caused by hard, uneven, or abrasive surfaces, helping protect workers’ joints during physically demanding tasks.
The standard applies to knee protectors used across a wide range of industries, including warehousing, construction, electrical, plumbing and flooring installation, and landscaping. EN 14404 ensures that knee protection provides effective impact resistance, stability, and comfort, supporting safer working practices where kneeling is an unavoidable part of the job.
how EN 14404 knee protection works
EN 14404 sets minimum performance requirements to ensure knee protectors provide effective protection in kneeling positions. Certified knee protection is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the knee, reduce point loading on hard surfaces, and absorb impact — helping lower the risk of acute injuries and long-term knee pain associated with repetitive kneeling.
Garments and accessories certified to EN 14404 are tested for factors such as force distribution, penetration resistance, and ergonomic performance, ensuring they remain stable and comfortable during movement. The standard defines four types of knee protection, depending on how the protector is worn and used:
advantages of EN 14404 workwear
EN 14404-compliant workwear helps to protect workers from the short- and long-term risks associated with frequent kneeling, including:
- Helps reduce the risk of knee injuries caused by prolonged or repetitive kneeling
- Distributes pressure more evenly across the knee to minimise discomfort and strain
- Supports long-term joint health, helping prevent chronic knee pain
- Improves wearer comfort during physically demanding tasks
- Boosts employee morale by demonstrating a commitment to worker wellbeing
- Helps reduce sickness absence, medical leave, and associated costs
- Supports safer working practices across kneeling-intensive roles
our EN 14404 protective clothing range
Alsico’s EN 14404-certified knee protection garments are ideal for workers in physically demanding environments where they may be required to kneel for long periods of time. These kneepads and knee-protecting workwear are designed to reduce the risk of injury while remaining breathable, flexible, and comfortable for extended wear.
frequently asked questions
EN 14404 is a European standard that sets out performance and design requirements for knee protectors used in occupations where kneeling is a regular part of the job. It ensures knee protection effectively distributes pressure, absorbs impact, and remains stable and comfortable during movement, helping reduce the risk of injury and long-term knee problems.
The standard defines four types of knee protection based on how they are worn and used. Type 1 are standalone knee protectors strapped around the leg. Type 2 are knee pads inserted into pockets on work trousers or permanently attached to garments. Type 3 are loose protectors positioned as needed and not worn on the body. Type 4 are knee protectors integrated into larger devices, such as support frames or kneeling aids with additional functions.
EN 14404 knee protection is particularly important in industries where workers kneel frequently or for extended periods. This includes construction, warehousing and logistics, electrical, plumbing and flooring installation, utilities, maintenance, landscaping, and similar environments with hard or uneven surfaces.
Yes. EN 14404-compliant garments are commonly designed to integrate with other forms of PPE, such as high-visibility clothing (EN ISO 20471), flame-resistant workwear (EN ISO 11612), or anti-static garments (EN 1149). Combining protections helps employers address multiple workplace hazards without compromising comfort or compliance.
EN 14404 garments should be maintained in line with the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure ongoing performance and compliance. This includes regular inspection of knee pads for wear or damage, correct insertion or attachment of protectors, and laundering in accordance with recommended wash cycles. Worn or damaged knee protection should be replaced promptly.
Yes. Alsico supports bulk and large-scale procurement of EN 14404-compliant workwear, supplying consistent, certified solutions across single sites or multi-location operations. Our team works closely with procurement teams to ensure reliable supply, tailored garment specifications, and ongoing compliance support.
contact our team to find out how Alsico can supply and customise EN 14404-compliant kneepads and knee protectors for your workforce.
why choose Alsico for EN 14404-compliant clothing?
With decades of experience in protective clothing design and manufacturing, Alsico delivers EN 14404-compliant workwear that balances protection, durability, and comfort. From single-site orders to complex, multi-location contracts, we support procurement teams with solutions tailored to kneeling-intensive tasks and workplace hazards.
here’s why procurement teams trust Alsico for EN 14404-compliant workwear:
- Certified EN 14404-compliant knee protection across relevant garments
- Ergonomically designed knee pad systems that support comfort and freedom of movement
- Durable fabrics engineered to withstand frequent kneeling and industrial laundering
- Compatibility with other PPE requirements, including flame-resistant and high-visibility clothing
- Options for bespoke design, fit, and company branding
- Scalable supply capabilities for both small teams and large workforces
- Expert guidance to help select the right knee protection for specific roles and environments
get in touch to explore our EN 14404 range and learn how we can support your protective workwear requirements.
learn more about the sub environments we supply into
electricity and arc flash
Our clothing, tailored to specific risk levels, offers significant protection, enhancing safety in industries where Arc Flash incidents are prevalent, minimising the risk of serious burns and injuries.
heat, flame, and welding
Burning hot embers, sparks and fire should never touch the skin of a human, our high-performance, FR and Welding protection garments are essential for workers in these environments.
visibility
Stay seen and secure with our high-visibility solutions, designed to keep workers visible and protected in environments such as railways, roads, docks, airports, and construction.
anti-static / ESD
Industries where electrostatic discharge poses a threat require anti-static/ESD garments. These specialized garments prevent static electricity buildup during sensitive operations, providing a crucial line of defense for worker safety.
molten metals
Protective solutions to ensure your team's safety from molten metal hazards, ensuring maximum-level protection against various metals, including zinc, nickel, and lead, ensuring your team's safety.
chemical
Chemical-resistant attire is necessary for protecting workers from hazardous substances in various industries. Alsico's reliable protective clothing creates a secure barrier against potentially harmful chemicals, prioritizing workplace safety.
rain and cold
Rain and cold weather workwear is pivotal in ensuring safety and comfort in challenging conditions, ensuring workers across diverse industries can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
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