HOW ANTI-FATIGUE
MATS CAN IMPROVE
STAFF WELFARE
The science behind keeping
staff on their feet.
T
he effects that sitting for too long has on our health
is a widely debated subject, with science backed
advice that we should be spending less time sat down
and more time on our feet if we want to keep illnesses
such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions at bay.
Many people have chosen to swap regular desks in offices
for standing desks but those who already work in jobs
that require them to be on their feet all day, such as on
production lines, will be very familiar with the negative
effects that standing can have on us too. Prolonged
periods of standing in one position can lead to complaints
of pain in muscles and joints, as well as having a negative
impact on our blood circulation. The problems caused by
standing can be avoided by using Anti-Fatigue Mats, but
how can a simple mat help with such a wide range of health
conditions?
In this article, we will help you understand more about
how these problems occur and how anti-fatigue matting
can help us to stay healthy at work.
The negative effects on our bodies of standing for any
length of time begins with our Venous System. In case
you’ve never heard of it before, the Venous system is part
of our circulatory system that helps to transport blood from
the peripheries back to the heart. With every step we take,
muscles in our legs compress around these veins helping
them to pump blood back up towards the heart. If the
leg muscles aren’t being used effectively, the heart must
work alone to keep blood flowing. As well as putting extra
pressure on the heart, standing for prolonged periods also
leads to many other physical problems including:
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Joint Pains, usually in the ankles,
knees, hips and the back
Swollen feet, caused by blood pooling
in the lower limbs due to gravity
Varicose Veins
Corns and Bunions on the feet
Longer term effects include serious Orthopaedic
conditions, reduced muscle elasticity and Rheumatic
conditions. It doesn’t take long before the problems
associated with standing become apparent. A study
conducted by the Department of Human Sciences at
Loughborough University found that it only takes 90
minutes of prolonged standing before serious discomfort
begins to set in.
How do Anti-Fatigue Mats help?
Anti-Fatigue Mats are far more than just a comfortable
surface to stand on. They actively combat the effects of
prolonged standing and reduce fatigue by creating a
more unstable surface to stand on. According to Richard
O’Connor, a researcher at industrial matting specialists First
Mats Ltd:
“When standing on a softer surface, you unconsciously
make constant muscular adjustments, this activates the
venous pump and returns blood back towards the heart.”
The softer surface of an Anti-Fatigue Mat relieves pressure
on joints and has the added b enefit of acting as an Anti-
Slip Mat by reducing the risk of slipping in wet or oily
environments such as factories and workshops.
Anti-Fatigue Mats are proven to be effective in the
workplace. In an independent study, 75% people who
invested in Anti-Fatigue Matting found that it had a positive
effect on the well-being of staff and 54% reported fewer
complaints of pain from the workforce.
Summary
Even when using Anti-Fatigue mats, it is advisable to
be as active as possible to fight the effects of fatigue.
Stand tall to keep your back upright and change posture
frequently. If you have the option to do so, change between
sitting and standing every couple of hours or take regular
screen and tea breaks to get more active and keep the mind
focused. Instead of sitting in a Boardroom for an hour, why
not try a standing meeting with your staff instead? Or go
for a walk during lunch breaks instead of sitting at your
workstation.
Whether they are being used in a factory, on a
production line, behind a retail counter or with a standing
desk, Anti-Fatigue Mats help to lessen the negative effects
of prolonged standing with the added bonus of better
morale and increased productivity from your staff.
Author: Richard O’Connor – First Mats Ltd (www.firstmats.co.uk)
References:
www.bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-magazine/activity/sitting-down
www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/
venous-disorders/overview-of-the-venous-system
https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/dspace-jspui/handle/2134/23823
HSE INTERNATIONAL
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