Anti-Fatigue Mats

What are Anti-Fatigue Mats?

Anti-Fatigue mats are ideal for people who are required to stand or operate in one area for long periods of time. This can lead to fatigue which can impair one’s ability to perform their actions efficiently or effectively. This is most frequently the case in a work environment, but may also be the case in the home as well. Anti-Fatigue mats can be used as a solution to this issue.

Anti-Fatigue Mats: The Essential Solution for Workplace Comfort and Safety

In today’s demanding work environments, where employees often spend long hours on their feet, the importance of proper workplace ergonomics cannot be overstated. Standing for extended periods on hard surfaces can take a serious toll on your workforce’s health, productivity, and overall well-being. Anti-fatigue mats provide an effective solution, offering crucial support and comfort for employees who spend long hours on their feet. At Trusted Mats, we offer a comprehensive range of anti-fatigue matting designed to enhance workplace wellbeing and efficiency while meeting the highest standards of quality and durability.

Understanding Anti-Fatigue Floor Mats

Anti-fatigue flooring works through a sophisticated combination of material science and ergonomic design. These specialised mats provide a carefully engineered cushioned surface that promotes subtle foot movements, improving blood circulation and reducing the physical strain of standing.

How do Anti-Fatigue Mats work?

• Provide comfort
  Anti-fatigue mats work by providing a more comfortable standing or walking surface. The mats provide cushioning and insulation underfoot, which is more comfortable in comparison to standing on cold, hard floors.
• Encourage movement
  The effectiveness of anti-fatigue matting lies in its ability to encourage micro-movements of the feet and legs. When standing on hard surfaces like concrete, muscles tend to become static, leading to reduced blood flow and increased fatigue. However, when standing on a cushioned mat, subconsciously you will be making very small movements in order to maintain your balance. These micro-movements:
  • Stimulate blood circulation throughout the lower body
  • Enhance oxygen flow to working muscles
  • Reduce the strain on joints and soft tissues
  • Help maintain proper posture
  • Prevent muscle fatigue and stiffness
• Provide a safe surface
  The standing surface of an anti-fatigue mat is usually anti-slip, which is especially important in areas of reduced traction, such as in wet, oily, greasy or swarf areas. The borders of the mat should be low profile and bevelled, to reduce any trip hazard.

The Impact of Standing on Hard Surfaces

Understanding the negative effects of prolonged standing on hard surfaces helps explain why anti-fatigue mats are so crucial. Without proper support, workers commonly experience:

• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Foot and heel discomfort
• Leg muscle fatigue
• Poor circulation in the lower extremities
• Increased risk of varicose veins
• Joint pain in knees, hips, and ankles

Comprehensive Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Matting

Installing anti-fatigue mats in your workplace offers numerous advantages that extend beyond basic comfort. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

Health and Wellness Benefits

Enhanced Circulation

• Promotes blood flow through subtle movement
• Reduces swelling in feet and ankles
• Helps prevent deep vein thrombosis risks

Musculoskeletal Support

• Reduces pressure on spine and joints
• Minimises risk of chronic back pain
• Supports proper posture maintenance

Fatigue Reduction

• Decreases muscle tension
• Reduces energy expenditure
• Improves overall stamina during long shifts

Workplace Safety Advantages

Slip Prevention

• Non-slip surfaces reduce accident risks
• Specially designed patterns for enhanced grip
• Effective in both dry and wet conditions

Trip Prevention

• Bevelled edges prevent tripping hazards
• Secure placement options available
• High-visibility options for hazard areas

Impact Protection

• Cushions impact from dropped items
• Reduces stress on joints from walking
• Provides insulation from cold floors

Productivity and Economic Benefits

Improved Worker Performance

• Enhanced concentration levels
• Reduced physical fatigue
• Increased job satisfaction

Reduced Absenteeism

• Fewer work-related injuries
• Decreased musculoskeletal complaints
• Lower healthcare costs

Long-term Cost Savings

• Reduced worker compensation claims
• Increased workplace efficiency
• Extended flooring life in high-traffic areas

Which Locations do I use Anti-Fatigue Mats?

Anti-fatigue mats can be used anywhere where people are standing or walking on cold, hard floors for extended periods of time. Here we list some of the most popular locations that benefit from the use of anti-fatigue matting:

• Work stations
• Picking and packing areas
• Production lines
• Kitchens
• Office stand-up desks
• Reception desks
• Cashier desks
• Customer Services desks
• Operating theatres
• Security guard areas

What Different Types of Anti-Fatigue Mats are there?

Depending on the location of the mat and the use it will have, the ideal anti-fatigue mat choice will vary. Some examples are as follows:

• Fixed size anti-fatigue mats
  Mats in standard sizes, such as 2×3, 3×5 and 4x6ft, tend to be used in areas where the user tends to remain in one location, such as next to a desk, workstation or machinery for example.
• Runner anti-fatigue mats
  Runner mats tend to be supplied off a roll, in fixed widths and cut to a custom length. Locations such as production lines, corridors and walkways are examples where these mats are suitable.
• Modular / Tiled anti-fatigue mats
  Tiles can be fixed together to fit any size or shape of area. They can usually be cut to fit around obstacles or fixtures. Ideal for irregular or very large work areas which would otherwise need to be covered by placing multiple mats next to each other.

What are the Different Types of Anti-Fatigue Mat Materials?

Choosing what they are made out of will depend on the environment you need the mat for and the durability you require. The cost of different materials is also of note for the budget conscious customer. The main materials are listed below:

• PVC anti-fatigue mats
  Normally the cheapest end of the market. PVC mats provide budget comfort, but tend to be less durable and less resistant to grease, oils and chemicals. A cost effective solution suitable for light commercial use.
• Rubber anti-fatigue mats
  Comfortable and slip resistant, with edges that are less likely to split, crack or curl. If using in an environment with oil, grease or chemical, consider using mats made out of nitrile rubber. Best for heavy duty, industrial applications.
• Polyurethane anti-fatigue mats
  Very comfortable and resilient, polyurethane mats quickly return to their original form. These mats tend to be at the higher price end of the market. They are more suited to dry areas, but not recommended where chemicals, grease or oils are used.

Environmental Considerations

Different workplace environments require specific types of anti-fatigue matting:

Dry Areas

• Standard anti-fatigue floor mats
• Smooth or lightly textured surfaces
• Focus on comfort and durability

Wet Areas

• Drainage holes for liquid removal
• Raised patterns for enhanced grip
• Water-resistant materials
• Easy-clean surfaces

Industrial Settings

• Heavy-duty rubber anti-fatigue mats
• Chemical-resistant options
• Extra thick construction
• Enhanced durability features

Food Processing Areas

• Antimicrobial properties
• Chemical-resistant materials
• Easy-to-sanitise surfaces
• HACCP compliant options

Which Anti-Fatigue Mats are suitable for wet areas?

Some anti-fatigue mats use cushioning that is not suitable for wet areas. If the mat soaks up the water and remains wet for a long time, the mat may quickly deteriorate or even rot over time. It can also harbour dirt and bacteria which may be harmful to health. You should look for mats which use closed-cell cushioning, such as our Interlock Solid Rubber Tiles & Edges which will not allow moisture to be held within the mat.

Most anti-fatigue mats feature a non-slip surface, by using an embossed surface pattern. This usually suffices for dry areas, but may become slippery in a wet environment. PVC mats in particular tend to have less traction when water is able to sit on the surface of the mat. In comparison, rubber mats tend to have more grip underfoot, but the best mats for wet areas will ensure that water flows away from the standing surface. Look for a mat with flow through holes such as our Cushion Flow Anti-Fatigue Mat, or a bi-level design, which ensures the water drops to a lower level beneath the footwear.

Size and Coverage Requirements

Anti-fatigue mats should be strategically placed in areas where workers stand for extended periods. The size/type of anti-fatigue matting you need may vary depending on the type of workspace you are trying to cover:

 Individual Workstation Mats

• Standard sizes available
• Custom sizing options
• Appropriate for single-user areas
• Easy to move and clean

Modular Systems

• Interlocking tiles for large areas
• Customizable configurations
• Easy installation and replacement
• Suitable for irregular spaces

Runner Mats (e.g. for production lines)

• Long continuous coverage
• Ideal for production lines
• Custom length options
• Uniform protection for walking areas

Maintaining Your Anti-Fatigue Matting

To ensure long-lasting performance from your anti-fatigue mats:

• Regular cleaning to remove debris and spills
• Periodic inspection for wear and damage
• Proper positioning to prevent tripping hazards
• Rotation of mats in high-traffic areas

Need more help choosing your Anti-Fatigue Mat?

Choosing the right anti-fatigue mat for your facility can be difficult when you consider the many choices available to you.

For further reading on the topic, you can refer to our anti-fatigue mats complete guide.

We are happy to help you cut through this choice and ensure you get the right mat for your premises. Use the Contact Form for additional support.