Anti-fatigue mats are specially designed flooring coverings that are designed to alleviate fatigue and other associated health risks caused by standing for prolonged periods. With millions of working days lost every year due to back, leg, and foot pain, organisations across the country can greatly benefit from anti-fatigue matting.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive insight into what anti-fatigue matting is, how it works, and how it can benefit your business.
What is an anti-fatigue mat?
How does an anti-fatigue mat work?
What are the benefits of anti-fatigue mats?
Who can benefit from anti-fatigue matting?
How to choose an anti-fatigue mat
What is an anti-fatigue mat?
An anti-fatigue mat is a floor covering that has been designed to reduce the fatigue that is often caused by standing for long periods on a hard surface. These mats reduce the amount of pressure that's placed on an individual’s joints and muscles while promoting subtle movement to stimulate blood circulation. In doing so, anti-fatigue mats not only help employees feel more comfortable, but they can also boost productivity and workplace safety.
Anti-fatigue matting is an extremely versatile solution, available in different materials like rubber, vinyl and wood. These mats are used across many industries, from warehouses to supermarkets, showcasing their effectiveness in creating a healthier and more ergonomic work environment.
How does an anti-fatigue mat work?
As a soft and responsive surface, anti-fatigue mats work by creating a subtle movement in leg muscles and joints. This small movement is enough to improve blood circulation and evenly distribute pressure throughout the lower limbs, reducing pain and mitigating fatigue.
What are the benefits of anti-fatigue mats?
Anti-fatigue matting has several benefits both for employees and the overall organisation. Some of the benefits are directly related to using these mats, while others are byproducts of using them.
Reduces joint and muscle pain
Standing on a hard surface for a prolonged period increases the amount of stress placed on the body. This stress can not only cause leg cramps and lower back pain, but if left unaddressed, it can also result in long-term health conditions such as chronic inflammation or degenerative joint damage.
By using anti-fatigue matting, there is a layer of cushioning between an individual’s feet and the floor. Studies have shown that this cushioning works to reduce the amount of stress placed on the body by creating subtle movements in the legs that work to evenly distribute pressure throughout the lower limbs, reducing joint pain.
Improved posture
The increased pressure on joints and muscles combined with the lower back caused by prolonged periods of standing can negatively impact posture. However, anti-fatigue mats can be used to mitigate this risk as they are designed to change standing positions and ensure that pressure is evenly distributed between both feet.
Stimulates blood circulation
Anti-fatigue matting encourages micro-movements within leg muscles which in turn increases blood circulation. By making it easier for blood to flow around the body, less pressure is placed on the circulatory system, preventing any associated health risks.
Reduces the risk of slipping
Slips, trips and falls accounted for over 30% of non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022/23. Anti-fatigue mats are made from non-slip materials such as rubber or PVC and feature a ribbed design which helps to prevent slips and can cushion the fall. Therefore, not only can anti-fatigue mats prevent health risks from occurring but they can improve workplace health and safety more generally.
Increased productivity
By making employees more comfortable by addressing the points listed above, anti-fatigue mats can increase productivity. By reducing an individual’s aches and pains, employees can benefit from improved concentration and enhanced well-being, two factors that can increase their overall productivity.
Who can benefit from anti-fatigue matting?
Anti-fatigue matting is beneficial for any workers who stand for prolonged periods, this includes workers who use standing desks. With that being said, anti-fatigue mats are especially recommended for those industries or organisations where workers are expected to stand on hard surfaces for long periods.
Just some of the types of industries that may benefit from anti-fatigue mats include:
- Hospitality: Anti-slip anti-fatigue matting can reduce the risk of employees slipping in liquid-prone areas, such as behind the bar. The cushioning of the matting not only enhances comfort but can also contribute to cost savings by minimising costs associated with dropped glasses or other crockery.
- Warehousing: Lifting items and the continuous packing of items on a production line increases the pressure on the joints and muscles. Anti-fatigue matting can reduce this pressure by ensuring that weight is distributed evenly between both feet.
- Manufacturing: Not only can these mats be used within factory environments to improve the well-being of workers, but they can also reduce the risks associated with slips and falls. Specialised anti-fatigue mats for oil and chemicals can also be used in environments where these substances are prevalent.
- Automotives: Using anti-fatigue mats promotes blood circulation and reduces the pain and discomfort from having to stand for long periods. These mats are also designed to be resistant to machine oils and petroleum products, ensuring they are suitable for heavy-duty and industrial areas.
How to choose an anti-fatigue mat
When choosing an anti-fatigue mat there are a few key factors to consider:
- Where will the mat be used? Does the mat need to be slip-resistant?
- What substances are used in the area? Will the mat need to be suitable for specific liquids, such as oil and chemicals?
- What type of floor will it be placed on? Harder, colder surfaces will require a thicker mat.
- How long will workers be standing on these mats? If workers are expected to stand for long periods, a heavy-duty anti-fatigue mat should be considered.
The best anti-fatigue mat will be different for every organisation as it depends on the factors listed above. For further advice on how to choose an anti-fatigue mat, please contact our sales team on 01777 858009 or email sales@kingfisherdirect.co.uk.
Improve employee wellbeing and productivity with Kingfisher's range of anti-fatigue mats
At Kingfisher, we stock a wide range of anti-fatigue mats so that you can enhance your workplace health and safety and improve the well-being of your employees. Our range of anti-fatigue mats features a variety of designs, ranging from heavy-duty to multi-purpose. We also stock mats designed specifically for environments with oil and chemicals, making them suitable for a variety of commercial and industrial applications.
For further information on our range of anti-fatigue matting, please contact our sales team on 01777 858009 or email sales@kingfisherdirect.co.uk.
