Anti Fatigue Mats
Anti fatigue mats are widely used in commercial and industrial premises to provide worker comfort. Anti fatigue mats provide a cushioning effect under foot and provide a warmer, softer surface to stand on.
Studies carried out at the Centre for Ergonomics, University of Michigan and the Department of Industrial Engineering, Kansas State University, observed the differences between standing on hard floors compared with standing on soft floors such as anti fatigue mats.
The studies both concluded that the use of anti fatigue mats have a significant affect on fatigue and comfort in different body regions.
Several health problems can result from standing on a hard surface for an extended period. Firstly, standing on a hard surface causes muscles to constrict, which reduces the blood flow. This can cause pain in muscles and joints and cause blood to stagnate. In addition, long-term standing can lead to pronation, or excessive flattening of the foot. While this can be simply tiring and a bit painful, it can also lead to serious foot conditions. Lower back pain is highest in workers who stand for 4 hours or more per day. Standing on an anti fatigue mat may help to prevent and ease these conditions.
Anti fatigue mats have a cushioning effect that allows continuous micro-movements of the feet, which minimises blood pooling in the legs. Anti-fatigue mats may also help to improve comfort by providing a warmer surface to stand on so offering relief from cold or damp floor conditions.
There is good reason to believe that the reduction of fatigue that is provided by the use of an anti fatigue mat also reduces the possibility of accidents and improves general work efficiency.
Anti-fatigue mats can benefit employees anywhere where they may be standing for long periods of time.
Anti fatigue mats, as many people know are often used in factories, however it is less realised that employees in other sectors can also benefit. Other areas where an anti-fatigue mat could be a benefit include: commercial kitchens, shops, restaurants, banks, hotels and many more.
With improved anti fatigue mat product ranges, anti fatigue mats no longer have to look ‘industrial’ and we can offer a range of anti fatigue mats to fit in with the look of your premises.
If you would like any advice before purchasing an anti fatigue mat, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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