Matting

A Guide To Anti Fatigue Mats

A Guide to Anti Fatigue Mats

As their name suggests, Anti Fatigue Mats are designed to reduce the physical stress caused by fatigue from standing on hard flooring surfaces for prolonged durations.

Do they really help?

When one continuously stands on a hard surface, it often constricts blood circulation in the lower body, resulting in back pain, foot pain, and weariness.  Anti fatigue mats are specifically designed to create a cushioning impact between the feet and the floor, thereby encouraging subtle leg movement and promoting blood circulation.

Ergonomists have researched the benefits of using anti fatigue mats in workplaces.  A recent study conducted by England’s Loughborough University has confirmed that anti fatigue mats can have a significant beneficial impact on the health of workers who need to stand for long periods of time.  In fact, many Occupational Health and Safety Administrations highly recommend anti fatigue mats as a proactive approach to ease stress in workplaces and prevent injuries before they happen.

Considering the role they play in reducing fatigue and injuries, anti fatigue mats can greatly enhance employee comfort, increase productivity, and reduce time off due to injury and illness.  It’s easy to see how an investment in anti fatigue mats can equate to better bottom lines for employers.

Where are they commonly used?

These are a few areas where you will usually find anti fatigue mats:

  • Behind reception desks and concierge counters
  • Trade show exhibit booths
  • Commercial kitchens, especially food prep areas
  • Housekeeping pantries
  • Hair salons
  • Garages and repair facilities
  • Factories and production lines
  • Checkout counters at hotels and resorts

Choose the ideal Anti Fatigue Mat for your workplace

Anti fatigue mats can be made of rubber, PVC, foam, or vinyl depending on their intended application.  The following aspects are important to keep in mind when assessing your requirements effectively:

  1. Resilience level of the mat (or its desired cushioning effect)
  2. Safety considerations (like slip resistance)
  3. Durability
  4. Environmental conditions that the mat would be subject to (i.e. grease, moisture, static electricity, etc.)
  5. Type of flooring underneath the mat

Once you have identified the specific details of your application, we would be happy to help you choose the right anti fatigue mat for you!  Molded rubber mats typically provide more resilience and long-term durability than vinyl sponge mats and are better suited to wet environments, while the latter are typically more suited for use in dry environments.  Similarly, rubber nitrile mats are more resistant to oil, grease and chemicals, and hence are ideal for use in laboratories, commercial kitchens and factories.

We envision a healthy workplace for you

Source Floor offers a diverse range of anti fatigue mats for a variety of applications and environments.  Contact us today to help find the right anti fatigue mat for your specific needs!