Taking a Stand: The Benefits of Anti Fatigue Mats

We already know how detrimental sitting for hours behind a desk can be to our health. But what about standing? Our bodies are designed to move, and using our muscles is important for our musculoskeletal system and the heart itself. But when we stand, we don’t move much more than when sitting. Considering this, standing for long periods of time can have similar effects as sitting. In addition, the pressure from the floor and the weight of the body places a lot of stress on our joints and spine when we stand, thus leading to fatigue, back pain and joint problems.

And this is some bad news for the millions of assembly line workers, bank tellers, checkout workers and other people who earn a living working on their feet. While desk workers have the option to switch to a standing desk, what can these people do to protect their health and increase their comfort on the job? Well, the solution can be very simple – get some ergonomic anti fatigue mats.

Compared to the floor, anti fatigue mats offer cushioning and shock absorption which in turn help reduce stress and fatigue, as well as hip, joint and back pain. They are also specifically designed to encourage the feet, and therefore legs and body to move. As the surface is soft and uneven, the feet need to constantly adapt to it, which causes the muscles to contract and expand, similarly to when we walk. This also activates the venous pump, which increases the blood flow throughout the body, helping to preserve the state of the heart. As a result, workers using anti fatigue mats can expect the following benefits.

Increased General Comfort

Anyone that has stood in place for a prolonged period of time knows how uncomfortable it can get. And this feeling is intensified for people who work standing for several hours at a time, five days a week. Prolonged standing like this does not only feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead to fatigue. Hence the name – anti fatigue mats. These cushioned mats are super soft and feel like standing on a cloud instead of in front of a counter, a photocopier or wherever you need to stand. The increased comfort helps reduce work-related fatigue and even boost productivity as workers have the energy to perform their job quicker and better.

Improved Posture

When standing in a place, people tend to slouch similarly to how they do when sitting in front of a desk. However, a good anti fatigue mat can help people maintain a healthy posture. Because it spreads out the body’s weight evenly on both feet, people are less likely to lean to one side or slouch. This way, the body is more stable and straighter. And maintaining proper posture while standing can prevent all sorts of issues from soreness in the joints to hip and back pain, swollen ankles and aching soles – all of which can occur due to prolonged standing on a hard floor.

Better Blood Circulation

When we stand, our legs are straight and the blood can flow easier than when we sit. However, when we stand inactively, it can also pool in the lower half of the body. An anti fatigue mat encourages your body to make small but frequent movements which in turn can prevent the blood from pooling. In addition, the reduced stress helps relax the muscles and veins. As a result, using an anti fatigue mat can help improve blood circulation and prevent swelling in the legs after long hours of work.

Increased Workplace Safety

Work-related accidents and injuries can result in prolonged sick leave and expensive hospital costs, which is why employers need to do everything in their power to reduce them. These types of accidents are often caused by slippery floors, especially in areas with high exposure to oil, water and other chemicals. But besides making employees more comfortable, anti fatigue mats with a non-slip surface and base can also help reduce slips and falls in the workplace. Make sure to choose mats with bevelled edges that will help prevent tripping.

Reduced Material Damage

Since anti fatigue mats are cushioned, it also means that any object that’s dropped on them will experience less damage. In fact, there are varieties of mats that are specifically designed for protection in case fragile glass, delicate objects or containers containing harmful chemicals get dropped.

Dampened Sound

A less obvious benefits of anti fatigue mats is that they can be great sound proofers. There are many mats that are designed to absorb noise and vibrations. This makes them especially beneficial for workplaces that use heavy and loud machinery.

Easy to Clean

For workplaces that deal with oil, chemicals and other liquids, and are prone to get messy, these mats can make it easier to keep the floor clean. And when the workspace is clean and organised, it makes for a more pleasant working atmosphere for everyone. In addition, the mats themselves are also often easy to clean as they are made from materials such as rubberised foam which is resistant to chemicals, greases and oils and is also anti-microbial.