If you're an owner or manager of a bar, pub, restaurant, kitchen or canteen then you will no doubt be faced with the problem of glass breakages by your staff as they carry out their day-to-day duties. It is an all too frequent problem and a costly one too. You'll be pleased to know that there is a simple solution that will stop the majority of breakages, saving you money in the process and bringing additional health & safety benefits with it too.
Simply place soft cushioned mats, known as anti-fatigue mats, in areas where breakages are likely to occur. Doing so will give you the following benefits:
- The mats will provide a soft surface which will stop almost all breakages occurring.
- The mats will make standing and walking on them a pleasure for your staff, increasing morale and alleviating aches and pains, which in turn can reduce staff sickness.
- The mats provide a non-slip surface to help stop slip and fall accidents, saving you money on compensation claims and reducing staff absenteeism.
- The mats protect the flooring beneath, reducing cleaning and floor replacement costs.
So, as you can see, the benefits of having anti fatigue mats goes far beyond what you may have at first thought. Not only are you solving your glass breakage problem, but you are also solving a number of other problems which will save you money and many headaches in the long run.
Which matting do I buy to stop breakages behind my bar or in the kitchen?
There are many different types of anti-fatigue mats and you need to ensure you get the right one for your situation. Here's our quick guide to what you need:
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A Wet Area Anti Fatigue Mat
Not all anti fatigue mats are designed to go in wet areas such as behind bars and in kitchens. The cushioning needs to be encapsulated or 'closed cell', otherwise if the mats get wet, they could end up rotting and harbouring bacteria and odours.
- Nitrile rubber construction
Nitrile rubber is grease and oil proof, and it will resist most chemicals. Choosing a nitrile rubber anti fatigue mat is of particular importance in a kitchen where grease will break down inferior mats which can make them more of a danger in a kitchen environment.
- Flow through holes or Solid top
It's your choice. Do you want a mat with holes to allow the water and other debris to flow through the mat onto the surface below? Or do you want a mat that will keep the spillage on top of the mat?
There are pros and cons of each, and it depends on your situation. Holes will take the liquid away from the standing surface and therefore stop slips, but the mat will not be protecting your floor beneath, and you will likely want good drainage. A solid mat will be easier to clean, but you will need to have a mop, bucket, dustpan and brush nearby to clean up spillages and as they occur on the mat.
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A loose lay mat or a modular system
This depends on the area that you need to cover. Will a fixed size, loose lay mat fit the required area, or do you need a modular system of mat tiles which can fit any shape or size of area? Will your staff be walking around whilst working or do they generally stand in the same place?
- A gripper surface mat or a flat surface mat
If the breakages normally involve spillage of liquid or if you are in a wet or greasy environment, then you are most likely going to need a high traction, gripper surface to help stop slips and falls.
You can find a range of anti-fatigue mats suitable for behind bars and kitchens by looking at our website here: http://www.mats4u.co.uk/product/anti-fatigue-mats/kitchen.html
Need more help choosing?
If you require further advice, then you can always contact us through the website or by phoning our customer service team on 0121 313 6748.
