Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Work?

Jobs that require long periods of standing on a hard surface can be hazardous to worker health, causing fatigue and other problems such as back, foot, and leg pain as well as headaches. This, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on productivity.

Anti-fatigue mats are constructed to provide a cushion that improves a worker’s comfort while standing. This cushion can come from air bubbles or foam padding in the mat’s core. Standing on the cushion instead of a hard floor can reduce spinal compression, increase body movement, and improve circulation — all of which result in increased energy because more blood (and thus more oxygen) is being circulated.

Can mats reduce fatigue?

It makes sense that a cushioned mat would at least make standing more comfortable — but is it really effective at reducing fatigue? The answer is yes: Scientific evidence exists that supports anti-fatigue mats’ effectiveness. Studies conducted by Loughborough University in the U.K. and at the University of Michigan show that anti-fatigue mats improved workers’ comfort and reduced their fatigue compared to standing on a hard surface.

Anti-fatigue mats also assist in slip prevention. For example, AbsorbentsOnline’s anti-fatigue mats for kitchens, hospitals, and industrial floors tested 40% higher than any other sponge mat for their non-slip quality and are National Floor Safety Institute approved. These mats are ergonomically designed and are guaranteed to reduce back, leg, foot, and ankle fatigue.

The kind of mats you get matters. Basic mats can wear out in a matter of months, while high-performance mats, such as those offered by AbsorbentsOnline, last for three years or more. When selecting an anti-fatigue mat, be sure to consider the mat’s longevity and comfort and how easily it can be cleaned.

An anti-fatigue mat is a smart investment that pays great dividends. Not only do mats improve employees’ comfort, safety, and health, they can also decrease the amount of work time lost from workers’ attending to their on-the-job aches and pains.

[cta]Want to learn more about anti-fatigue mats or other safety products? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.[/cta]