Anti-fatigue mats can be a cost-effective and effective way to improve safety and health at your workplace, as well as increase employee productivity and engagement. We know there are many types and styles of anti-fatigue mats so we thought we’d highlight some options for certain job roles.
At the office
Standing or hybrid desks are becoming more popular among office workers due to their many health benefits and lower cost. Standing on hard surfaces such as wood or laminates can cause stiffness and pain in the joints.
An anti-fatigue mat is a solution. It is specifically designed for office workers. You should choose a high-quality foam construction with high density that offers just enough cushioning to allow the user to feel more comfortable without being too soft that it doesn’t provide support.
Behind the counter
Retail workers are likely to be involved in a lot more twisting and leaning. You will need a mat that can withstand this type of abuse. You should look for PVC mats that are toughened to last. Otherwise, you might find yourself replacing them too often for a cost-effective solution.
CNC Machines and Lathes
Machinists require more than comfort. They need to be able quickly and efficiently deal with filings, shavings, and other debris created by their work. To trap the dust from machine work, they need mats that have holes or perforations. This is why you won’t find foam-based products. Look for natural rubber with enough flexibility to offer comfort.
The production line
You can choose from several mats such as waterhog mats depending on what environment you are working in. This includes how much traffic it will see, whether it’s a dry or wet site, and the type of work being done. A good option for lighter usage is to focus on anti-fatigue, but not on being durable or hard-wearing.
For welding stations
Flame-retardancy at the welding station is of paramount importance. Stray sparks, molten metal drips, and other by-products from welding can quickly cause damage to a mat. You will need to replace the mat, or it could become a trip hazard.
In the kitchen
Professional kitchens need to have a balance between comfort and anti-slip properties. They also need to be resistant to oils, greases, and detergents that will inevitably drop, spill, or splatter. Look for mats that are safe to use with oil and grease. These mats are typically made of nitrile rubber.
Oily environments
Oil refineries and other industrial environments require mats that are oil-resistant, slip-resistant, durable, flexible, and resistant to oil. These sites have a much more demanding use case. You should look for oil-resistant, heavy-duty matting with excellent anti-slip qualities. Otherwise, you could expose your employees to slip-and-fall accidents.
In clinical and food production environments
All matting must be able to be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected in hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical sites, and food manufacturing facilities. These mats must be able to withstand high temperatures, resist detergent damage, and have good drainage. To ensure the mat can withstand a wide range of temperatures, choose a mat with holes that allow water and other liquids to quickly escape.
Chemicals are used on premises
Anti-fatigue mats must be able to withstand chemical splashes, drips, and spillages. You don’t have to sacrifice anti-fatigue features. Some mats can withstand common chemicals, oils, and other products on an industrial site. They also provide flexibility and cushioning.
