subject: What Are Anti-fatigue Mats And How Do They Work? [print this page] Many workplaces today are investing in anti-fatigue mats. The mats are truly ergonomic products because they work to keep the body healthier and reduce the daily pain and fatigue that workers experience. Employers are finding that by using ergonomic products, their employees are more productive and satisfied. The amount of money spent for insurance claims and sick days is also dramatically decreased when ergonomic products are regularly used.
Most employees know the pain and weariness that result from standing and working all day. In fact, low back pain is the second largest cause of pain and doctor visits, only following behind headaches. When blood flow is reduced and muscles are constricted, physical fatigue is felt. The body quickly runs out of energy because the heart is forced to work harder in order to get the blood through the constricted areas. This results in pain, discomfort and fatigue.
The gentle movement provided by anti-fatigue mats encourages blood to flow back into the legs and calf muscles. This is called "dynamic ergonomics" which is the study of muscle activity preventing pain and promoting worker comfort. It has been proven by ergonomic specialists that physical fatigue is drastically affected by standing on various surfaces. Universities and colleges are now studying ergonomics and how it affects employees on a typical workday
In fact, one study from the University of Michigan tested this concept with employees at a plant. Various floor conditions were tried on fourteen people who were required to stand for an entire shift at work. Throughout the day, employees stood on flooring anywhere from concrete to a 3/8" rubber anti-fatigue mat. The results were astonishing. Those who stood on the concrete suffered with much greater levels of pain and fatigue in their backs, legs and entire bodies. Workers who stood on the anti-fatigue mats experienced reduced pain and fatigue by as much as 50%.
When using an anti-fatigue mat, the muscles gently contract and expand as they stand on the mat. The body can't stay completely stationery when standing on an anti-fatigue mat. This subtle movement makes it possible for the blood to travel back through the feet, legs and on to the rest of the body. This results in less pain to the various parts of the body.
Many folks aren't sure why the whole body feels tired. When the blood is not able to flow through these constricted muscles of the legs and the rest of the body, the heart does not received the oxygen it needs to function at top levels. When using an anti-fatigue mat, however, the heart will receive more oxygen, which will result in less fatigue.
While some employers don't want to "waste" money on mats such as these, they really are short-changing themselves in more ways than one. Unsatisfied employees who are uncomfortable, sore and fatigued are not going to be able to give them the best output. The mats truly can make all the difference in the overall well-being of any business.
