Anti-fatigue mats are an important feature in factory settings with heavy machinery, as they provide a safer, more comfortable environment for employees, which in turn can boost productivity. In this week’s blog we look at how anti-fatigue mats work and how they can benefit your workplace.
How Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Work?
Anti-fatigue mats look like regular mats, however they are much more beneficial. Anti-fatigue mats are designed to be stood on for multiple hours at a time, as they encourage movement which is essential for improving circulation, maintaining good joint health and reducing fatigue and muscle pain. Standing still in one spot for an extended period of time (either on a regular floor mat or another surface) takes a toll on the body and can lead to circulation problems and back pain and foot problems, which may develop into long term musculoskeletal disorders. Anti-fatigue mats work to combat these issues as their design encourages micro-movements and improves circulation through extra padding. An anti-fatigue mat also doubles as a regular floor mat, preventing slips and falls through providing traction – which is extremely important considering a high percentage of accidental workplace deaths are caused by slip and fall accidents. Anti-fatigue mats can be made using a variety of materials including vinyl, rubber and foam, all of which are suited to different locations and purposes.
Specific Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Mats
Reduce Accidents
Anti-fatigue mats work to reduce slip and fall accidents by providing a non-slip surface that workers can comfortably stand on for hours at a time. Anti-fatigue mats are particularly useful during spills as they work to make the surface of the factory floor less slippery and can even be linked together to create a path that lets employees avoid the affected area.
Prevent Fatigue
As you would guess by their name, the main purpose of anti-fatigue mats is to prevent worker fatigue. Anti-fatigue mats reduce pressure on joints and muscles, making it easier for employees to stand in one place for longer periods of time, which boosts productivity.
Reduce Damage of Materials
Floor mats can reduce the damage of materials, products and machinery, as they act as shock absorbers and lessen the impact in the event of something falling to the floor. If something does break upon impact, however, the anti-fatigue mat makes the clean up easier.
Increase Productivity
Because these mats prevent fatigue and discomfort, they make your workers much more productive. Instead of taking breaks to ease their aches and pains, they can work through a shift, which will increase your output.
There is another reason productivity is affected. By limiting back pain, anti-fatigue mats keep employees healthy. This keeps them working and limits the amount of sick days they need to take.
Absorb Sound or Vibrations
If you’re looking to muffle noise or limit vibrations, anti-fatigue mats can get the job done. They can be very effective when placed under heavy-duty equipment. Instead of sound or vibrations transferring throughout a building, they are absorbed by the mats and don’t travel as far. The mat’s ability to do this depends on the type of mat you choose; not all anti-fatigue mats are equipped to muffle sound or vibrations.
Anti-fatigue mats keep your employees comfortable, productive, and healthy, which benefits all levels of your business. ACRA highly recommend the use of anti-fatigue mats to everyone in the sheet metal fabrication industry. We sell and service a huge range of sheet metal machinery and can work with you to make your factory as safe and productive as possible.