Fatigue matting is now widely used to prevent injury and muscle strain for workers who stand for long periods. Occupational safety experts know that staying in one position for too long, whether it's standing or sitting, is hard on the body and creates soreness and fatigue. Anti-fatigue floor mats have been developed and made available by a host of competing retailers.

Application Appropriate Fatigue Matting

While it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest anti-fatigue mat one finds, choosing the right mat is actually more involved. A mat needs to have the right specifications for its intended use, including thickness, aesthetics, and resistance to hazardous floor conditions that can cause slips and falls. After all, the wrong floor mat can actually cause more accidents and injury than it prevents.

For example, an overly thick mat can be hard to balance and walk on, but a very thin mat may not provide enough support. Mat placement is also a factor to consider when choosing an anti-fatigue mat. If a mat is in an area trafficked by rolling equipment, care must be taken to ensure that it will not create any unnecessary resistance or interruption in work flow.

Anti-fatigue matting is available in single mats, interlocking units, rolls, and other forms for large areas. Each mat will have specific requirements for cleaning, so it's important to choose a method that can be reasonably incorporated into staff duties. Properly maintaining a mat will significantly extend its life, ensuring a safe and clean work environment.