Anti-fatigue mats are a type of indoor mat that is becoming increasingly popular in workplaces where employees are required to stand for prolonged periods. These mats offer several benefits, including reducing fatigue and preventing long-term health problems, as they are designed to supply maximum comfort and support for your staff, but have you ever wondered how they work? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the science behind anti-fatigue mats and the benefits that they boast.

The Physiology of Standing

Standing for long periods can cause several health problems, including muscle fatigue, poor blood circulation, and joint pain. This is because standing for long periods requires the muscles to work harder to keep the body upright. When there is not enough support underfoot, legs cannot move naturally, which causes them to seize up. Additionally, this puts pressure on other parts of the body, such as the muscle groups in the neck and back, to compensate for the pain. Standing on hard surfaces can cause blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood flow to the feet and legs, resulting in even more discomfort.

How Anti-Fatigue Mats Work?

Anti-fatigue mats are manufactured with a cushioned base to promote the natural movement of the legs. This movement allows the blood flow to circulate properly, which reduces the physical stress on the body. These mats are typically made from materials like rubber or foam, and are designed to provide a soft and supportive surface for the feet and legs, helping to reduce muscle fatigue and pain.

Here at Grimeford Mill, we manufacture a variety of anti-fatigue mats which are suitable for many locations including workshops, kitchens, offices, and more. We use materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and rubber, to deliver our customers mats that are durable, effective, and long-lasting. Our range of anti-fatigue mats are a must for staff members that are stood up for prolonged periods.

The Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Mats

Improves Posture

The cushioned base allows your weight to be distributed evenly across both legs, which reduces the need for other muscles to work harder. This allows you to stand up straight, with less strain on the back and neck area.

Reduces Fatigue

One of the main benefits of anti-fatigue mats, is that they can reduce fatigue, as the name of them might suggest. These mats are designed to encourage blood circulation, which impacts energy levels. When employees are tired, their concentration is likely to decrease due to discomfort and pain. By utilising anti-fatigue mats, you can avoid this issue and help keep everyone focused.

Reduces Injuries

As mentioned above, people that stand upright for a long time are more likely to be at risk of injury, due to muscle strain and stagnant blood. Some issues that can occur include general stiffness, joint aches, as well as more serious problems such as lower limb disorders. These can all be prevented with anti-fatigue mats.

More Productive and Happier Workforce

We all know that being in pain and discomfort is draining both mentally and physically, and it can cause us to be unproductive and miserable. Standing on a hard surface for too long can cause distractions as your employees will be more focused on the pain that they’re suffering from, rather than the task at hand. By investing in anti-fatigue mats, productivity and happiness levels within your workforce will improve, as employees will no longer be distracted by aches and pains. This will overall boost morale levels, resulting in a more positive environment.

Non-slip

All of the anti-fatigue mats we stock are manufactured out of high-quality non-slip materials, which reduce slip and trip accidents in the workplace. Anti-fatigue mats are essential for promoting a healthy and safe environment.

Insulation

Surprisingly, anti-fatigue mats can also provide insulation for locations such as warehouses and factories, where concrete floors can be uncomfortable and cold. Their cushioned base can act as an insulator, keeping your team warmer in the colder months.

Anti-fatigue mats are the perfect solution in any workplace where employees are required to stand for long periods. These mats help to reduce muscle fatigue and strain, improve blood flow, and prevent long-term health problems. By understanding the science behind anti-fatigue mats, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right mat for your workplace. If you require more information about anti-fatigue mats or the other matting solutions we offer, contact us today on 01772 330051 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help!