As anti-fatigue mats are relatively new to the UK market, we still get asked a number of questions about anti-fatigue matting and the benefits of them. Here we aim to answer some of the most common questions we hear to give you a better understanding of what they are, how they work and the associated benefits.
What are anti-fatigue mats?
Anti-fatigue mats are typically cushioned mats designed to reduce aches, pains and tiredness for those individuals who have to stand on cold, hard floors all day. They provide a comfortable standing surface and are often referred to as cushion mats or comfort mats.
How do anti-fatigue mats work?
When standing on hard floors, the muscles in our legs become static, causing our blood flow to reduce. The reduced blood flow is what causes the pain and discomfort that an employee experiences after a long days work. A reduction in blood flow also means that the heart has to work harder, meaning the body will run out of energy quicker, leaving your workers feeling tired and fatigued.
Anti-fatigue mats help to increase blood flow in the legs, by allowing the muscles to expand and contract slightly, which helps to prevent stiffness. The movement in the muscles helps to increase blood flow and oxygen, greatly reducing fatigue of your workers.
How long do anti-fatigue mats last?
Good question! How long anti-fatigue matting will last depends on a number of factors.
-
What material are they made from? Anti-fatigue mats can be constructed from a variety of materials, which influences how hard-wearing they are and therefore how long they are likely to last. Many hard-wearing anti-fatigue mats will be made of nitrile rubber which is an extremely robust material. Blown PVC is a much cheaper option but it can be liable to tearing – for this reason they are better suited to low usage, dry areas. When working in a wet area, you will benefit from a mat that has encapsulated cushioning, This will make them water and liquid proof. If liquid is able penetrate the cushioning, it may cause the mat to decompose.
- What guarantee is offered? Manufacturers and suppliers of anti-fatigue matting will more often than not give some sort of guarantee or warranty with the product. The length of this guarantee will give you some indication into how long the mats are likely to last and is a vote of confidence from the supplier. Often, the mats will last even longer than the guarantee given, as they won't want to over promise and end up processing countless refunds!
-
How often are they used? The more often that somebody will be standing on the mats, the quicker that they will start wear. A mat that is being stood on for 8 solid hours a day will have a shorter lifespan than one that is being used for a couple of hours here and there. If your anti-fatigue mats will need to be used for long periods of time, ensure they are made from high quality materials and have a long guarantee, to give them the longest possible lifespan.
- Are chemicals, liquids or grease being used around the mats? If any of these materials are being used, you need to check that the mats you buy are resistant or totally uneffected by the substance coming into contact with the mat. Most suppliers will be able to give you chemical compatibility ratings for their mats and tell you whether they are grease or water proof.
Are anti-fatigue mats required by law?
In short, the answer to this question is no – you are not legally obliged to provide your workers with anti-fatigue matting in the UK. However, something that you must abide by is the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Employers have a duty of care to provide their employees with a safe working environment. Responsible employers will want to ensure the welfare of their employees in the workplace and their physical health plays a big part in this. With anti-fatigue mats being known to benefit the physical health of those employees that have to stand for long periods of time, the responsible employer should strongly consider using them.
Are anti-fatigue mats really worth it?
Studies have shown that anti-fatigue mats can reduce worker energy consumption by 50%, as well as reduce fatigue by 50%. Both of these factors contribute to improved worker productivity and reduced absenteeism.
The employer needs to consider whether the return on investment of improved worker productivity and lower absenteeism rates is worth the cost of purchasing anti-fatigue mats for their workers.
Where can I buy anti-fatigue mats?
Anti-fatigue mats are available from a number of sources, from industrial catalogues, hardware stores and online to name a few.
To see a selection of anti-fatigue mats available on the Mats4U website click here.
If you're not quite ready to purchase yet and have some more questions, please feel free to give us a call on 0121 313 6748 or use our Live Chat facility during normal office hours.
