Why it Pays to Invest in an Anti-Fatigue Mat

Anti-fatigue mats are made of materials according to its specific function including to reduce fatigue due to standing for long periods. It can be made of vinyl, rubber, materials used in carpets, and even wood.

Studies show that standing for an extended time can cause stress and fatigue. It can lead to foot and lower limb discomfort for workers who are required to stand in one position with a limited movement for walking or stretching. It should be noted that different factors affect the health-related discomfort experienced by regular standing workers. These are the footwear of workers, the design of the work, and the materials of the floor.

Standing for long periods on a hard floor can be stressful for the workers as it can cause fatigue. Other health concerns are headaches, pain in the back and muscles due to immobilization and stiffness, and pain in the joints. Providing an anti-fatigue mat can be helpful in managing the pain and lessening the fatigue brought by too much standing.

CCOHS or Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety provided guidelines for promoting health and safety in the workplace. Consider the following information on what and when to buy an anti-fatigue mat.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING AN ANTI-FATIGUE MAT

There are several factors to be considered before buying an anti-fatigue mat. This will help the worker to understand better how anti-fatigue mats can be helpful in addressing the stress and pain caused by too much standing. These guidelines are both beneficial to employers as well as the individuals who are currently using a standing desk converter.

The change in working position. The workplace must have a sit to stand chair to encourage regular movement for a change from sitting to standing. This will create mobility which can prevent musculoskeletal pain.

The footwear. High heels while standing to work can be more of a discomfort than it can be a fashion. Workers must carefully choose what footwear to use as it can also cause discomfort when it is not appropriate for any given working conditions. Well chosen working shoes must give support to the heel with adequate arch, at the same time providing comfort to the user.

The flooring. Hard floors can be uncomfortable and softer floor coverings can be helpful in decreasing worker’s fatigue. The important thing is the floor coverings must be safe as it can reduce the occurrence of accidents or fall on slippery floors.

HOW TO SELECT AN ANTI-FATIGUE MAT

Take notice of the following considerations when buying an anti-fatigue mat.

• Identify the purpose of the mat. Choose a mat that Anti-slip or other mats are not the same as anti-fatigue mats. Choose a mat that matches your needs best.
• Determine the thickness of the mat. A mat should provide elasticity but it shouldn't be too soft that the person feels standing on cotton. The anti-fatigue mat should not be too soft for comfort but soft enough to receive the weight and the pressure of use.
• Identify the working condition of how the mat will be used. Anti-fatigue mats should not be slippery and the edges must be sloped to avoid trip hazards. It must be easier to wash and clean without damaging the product.

WHY USE THE ANTHRODESK ANTI-FATIGUE MAT? 

The AnthroDesk Standing Desk Anti-fatigue Comfort Floor Mat has some give and is not too squishy and encourages the user to move more over the course of the day. It has a soft and reinforced core but is still well-founded enough to stand on for long periods of time, and the mat features a rounded edge that reduces the chances of tripping over it and makes it easier to clean.

The surface is a patchwork design and is about half an inch padding. The underside is light brown and the material is skid resistant and stays in place. It is perfect for the little space in front of a desk. The AnthroDesk Standing Desk Anti-fatigue Comfort Floor Mat is also designed so the edges never curl, and has just the right amount of giving whether you stand all day or just occasionally throughout the day.