Why You Need To Use Anti-Fatigue Mats

Amongst the least understood matting and the most under-utilised mats in the UK are Anti-Fatigue mats. Used in the right environments, these mats will quickly pay for themselves. Here we explain why you need to use anti-fatigue mats, how anti-fatigue mats can improve productivity, reduce accidents, boost morale and reduce employee absenteeism. Business leaders take note, because these are the mats that will improve your bottom line and it couldn’t be any simpler to do.

If you’ve been to the US, you’ll find that most workers who stand for long periods whilst doing their jobs, are using anti-fatigue mats. The reason being that companies are well versed in the benefits of using these mats.

In the UK however, you’ll find anti-fatigue mats are more of a rarity. Multi-national companies in the UK get it. Large UK companies with Health & Safety employees or consultants get it. However, the reason so few other companies get it, is because their yet to understand the true benefits of using anti-fatigue mats. They feel it’s an unnecessary cost to invest in the mats in the first place. If they’ve never had them, then they can do without them, right? Well no actually, because this small investment will quickly pay for itself. You’ll continue to reap the benefits that your workers will thank you for and your bottom line will be healthier as a result.

The UK’s Health & Safety at Work Act says that employers must ensure they look after the health and well-being of their employees. A responsible employer, who has workers standing on their feet all day, should consider the use of anti-fatigue mats as one of the measures they can adopt to look after their work force.  

Who should use anti-fatigue mats?

Anyone who has to stand or walk around in the same area on hard floors for long periods of time. In particular those who are doing repetitive work, such as picking and packing. Or work that requires good concentration levels, such as operating machinery. Or work that demands a positive attitude, such as those working in customer service roles.

The benefits of using anti-fatigue mats

Perhaps not surprisingly anti-fatigue mats reduce the fatigue of workers, by providing a more comfortable surface for the workers to stand on. By reducing the fatigue of workers, this can help to:

• Improve Health & Safety through:
  • Reduced slip & fall incidents due to a safe standing / walking surface
  • Reduced accidents due to better concentration levels
  • Reduced aches and joint pains
• Improve productivity through:
  • Fewer errors
  • Fewer aches and pain
  • Increased alertness
• Reduce absenteeism through
  • Fewer injuries / sickness
  • Higher worker morale due to more pleasant conditions

How do anti-fatigue mats work?

Anti-fatigue mats are cushioned mats that provide more comfort underfoot. They encourage subtle movements of the joints whilst standing on the softer surface, which promotes blood flow around the body. This increase in blood circulation provides the body with oxygen, leading to a reduction in joint aches, such as in the legs and lower back, as well as more oxygen to the brain. The latter will improve concentration levels, which logically leads to fewer errors being made and, depending on the work carried out, less chance of an accident occurring.  

Most anti-fatigue mats double up as anti-slip matting, so they will provide good traction underfoot. This is especially useful in areas that are wet, oily or greasy for example and so are a slip and fall risk.

Choosing the right anti-fatigue mats

By now you are likely convinced that anti-fatigue mats could benefit your workers and improve the bottom line of your business. Have a look at our Anti-Fatigue mats section if you have a good idea what you’re looking for or want to see the various types of mat available, There are many types of anti-fatigue mat on the market and we’re here to help you choose the right solution for your needs. Simply Contact Us and let us help you make the most out of these little understood gems that are anti-fatigue mats.