Anti Fatigue Mats & Matting

More information about Anti Fatigue Mats & Matting

Anti-fatigue mats improve comfort and safety by reducing the physical effects of standing for long periods of time. They reduce discomfort by providing users with a softer surface to stand on, easing pressure on back and leg joints. The soft surface texture stimulates micro-movements in the lower leg muscles, leading to better blood circulation. Together, these effects help to withstand the effects of fatigue, creating a better and healthier environment for workers.

How do Anti-Fatigue Mats work?

Standing for extended periods of time can cause a number of issues, from pressure on the feet, short-term stiffness and discomfort at work, to varicose veins and more serious musculoskeletal conditions, especially on hard surfaces.

Anti-fatigue mats are designed to alleviate the physical stress of fatigue, improving circulation and overall comfort while standing. They have cushioned and supportive surfaces that reduce pressure on the feet and lower back, and promote better posture and blood flow. This can help prevent chronic pain or injury caused by prolonged standing.

Anti-fatigue mats are commonly used in industrial settings where workers are required to stand for long periods of time, such as in factories, warehouses, and retail environments. They can also be beneficial in office settings where employees spend many hours at standing desks.

Overall, anti-fatigue mats are ideal for improving the comfort and well-being of employees who are required to stand for long periods of time. By reducing physical stress and fatigue, these mats can significantly improve workers' health and well-being.

The Benefits of Using Anti-Fatigue Mats

Some people who have never used the mats are sceptical about their effectiveness. However, in 2015, an independent study found that:

• 75% of businesses that used Anti-Fatigue matting or flooring said they found an overall improvement in well-being among workers.
• 44% of respondents said the matting has a positive impact on productivity.
• 23% of the businesses also confirmed that absenteeism had reduced.

Several other studies, including one by Loughborough University, also concluded that anti-fatigue mats provided many benefits to users, resulting in a more comfortable work environment.

As well as providing a cushion against cold and hard surfaces such as concrete, anti-fatigue mats also help to reduce slips and trips in work areas such as warehouses, picking and packing, assembly and other work environments. Additionally, taking regular breaks and short walks can help reduce fatigue.

Read our article ‘What Are Anti Fatigue Mats’ to learn more about the science behind anti-fatigue mats.

How to Choose Your Anti Fatigue Mat

There are many options to choose from, including standard mats, ribbed anti-fatigue mats and matting rolls. Choosing the right one for your needs is important to reap the benefits and ensure its longevity.

To make your choice easier, we have created a video introducing the most popular options from our range of anti-fatigue mats, and some of the important things to consider before purchasing.

Below is a guide on what to look out for when buying your anti-fatigue mat, but with First Mats, an expert is only a phone call away, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Anti-Fatigue Mat Sizes

Choosing anti-fatigue mats and flooring of appropriate sizes for your workspace is essential.

• The minimum recommended mat size for standard industrial workstations is 90cm x 150cm, which allows ample movement within the work area.
• For bigger spaces, like production lines or areas with lots of swarf, large anti-fatigue mats are advisable to trap more swarf and enhance safety.
• Anti-fatigue mat rolls, available in various widths and lengths of 18.3 metres, can also be custom-sized and are finished with bevelled edges for safety.

For bespoke anti fatigue matting, choose the custom size option or contact us to get advice from our team of matting experts.

Wet or Oily Floors

Anti-fatigue mats are most commonly made from a foam-based material, but while these are absolutely fine in dry areas, they won’t last on frequently wet or oily surfaces. As a brief guide, we suggest that:

• Dry Floors: Foam-based mats are suitable and cost-effective. We recommend using the AtEase Pebble Anti-Fatigue Mat.
• Wet Areas: Use a rubber mat or a closed-cell foam mat with a non-slip surface. The Rubber Workshop Mat and Heavy-Duty Interlocking Anti-Fatigue Tiles are good options.
• Oily Floors: Use either Nitrile Rubber or a specially designed closed-cell mat, such as the PinnacleMat, which is also fire and chemical-resistant.

Anti-fatigue mats are also available for specialist applications, such as fire-resistant mats for welding bays, hygienic mats for use in sterile environments, and mats for oil refineries with grit-textured surfaces for extra grip.

Anti Fatigue Mats with Wheeled Traffic

If trolleys and pallet trucks are likely to roll over the mat, we recommend avoiding foam or PVC, but using solid rubber fatigue tiles or vinyl-topped mats instead, as they are more resistant to wear and tear.

Top choices include the Deckplate Anti-Fatigue Mat, which has a protective vinyl top layer, or the solid rubber Fatigue-Step mat, suitable for trolleys and wheeled traffic.

Light, Medium or Heavy-Duty Usage

Different mat materials work better depending on the level of usage. Foam-based mats suit lighter and less frequent use in dry areas. A toughened mat like the High Wear-Resistant Anti-Fatigue Mat or a vinyl-topped foam mat is recommended where the use is more demanding or constant.

Rubber fatigue mats with holes are recommended in areas with machine swarf, such as workshops with lathes and milling machines, because they can trap small machining debris. This keeps surrounding floors cleaner and safer while providing the benefits of a standard anti-fatigue mat. See our range of Swarf Mats for more information.

Anti Fatigue Mats with Yellow Edges

The standard colour for industrial anti-fatigue matting and flooring is black, but many mats come with a yellow or hazard border. This improves visibility, reducing the user's risk of tripping on the mat’s edge.

If you’ve been asked to source mats following a health and safety audit or by an operations manager, a yellow border may have been specified, so double-checking the requirements is advised before ordering.

Need Help Finding the Right Anti Fatigue Mat?

There are many anti-fatigue mats to choose from, so If you need anti-fatigue matting for your workplace, please contact us and we'll guide you through our range of high quality products.

• Need them fast? Many of our standard-sized mats are available with next-day and free delivery, and even custom-sized mats are often available within three to five working days. If you have an urgent requirement, let us know.
• Not sure who to trust? Since launching in 2016, First Mats has supplied thousands of mats, to organisations of all sizes, including Airbus, JCB, DHL, and the BBC.
• Need to speak to someone? Our team of experts at First Mats is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
• Want mats that will last? We have one of the largest ranges anywhere in Europe, with models for specific applications. Our mats are also sourced from ISO quality-approved suppliers and tested for slip and wear resistance.

Where are Anti Fatigue Mats Used?

Anti Fatigue Matting can be found in any environment where workers must spend long periods standing in one place. Some areas they are commonly found include;

• Manufacturing & Warehouses – Either individual mats, made to measure anti fatigue rolls, floor mats or anti-fatigue matting tiles.
• Hotel Receptions – Aesthetically pleasing standing mats with marble design patterns
• Offices - Anti-fatigue mats are ideal for workers who use a standing desk to prevent the health problems caused by sitting for too long from being replaced by problems caused by standing instead.
• Bars, Restaurants & other “wet” areas – check the product descriptions to determine suitability.
• Commercial Kitchen and Food production areas – Kitchen mats are used in homes, restaurants and commercial kitchens.
• Electrical environments - Anti static fatigue mats are designed to provide comfort for electrical workers while keeping them and their equipment safe from sudden static discharges.
• Classrooms – in a 2018 First Mats survey, 69% of teachers stated that they experienced discomfort and fatigue in their feet and legs from long periods of standing.
• Hair Salons
• Electronic Component production facilities (using Anti-Static ESD matting)

Anti Fatigue Mat FAQs

• Do anti fatigue mats actually work? - Independent studies suggest they are highly effective, and can significantly reduce the effects of fatigue and pain caused by standing on hard surfaces for extended periods. We have written an article explaining how they work, with statistics on their effectiveness, which you can read in our blog article, what are anti-fatigue mats.
• Do anti fatigue mats increase productivity? - Studies have shown that the benefits of anti-fatigue mats include better productivity, thanks to their ability to make workers more comfortable on their feet. 44% of respondents to a 2015 study in the UK said the matting has a positive impact on productivity.
• Are thicker anti fatigue mats better? - Thicker is not always better, as a surface that's too thick and too soft will be unstable and unsafe to stand on. The standard thickness ranges from 9mm to 14mm, which provides the fatigue-fighting benefits while also being safe to stand on.
• What are anti fatigue mats made from? - Standard mats are made from microcellular foam, which is comfortable to stand on. For more demanding industrial settings, choose rubber or vinyl-topped anti fatigue mats.
• Can anti-fatigue mats be used with oil? - Most anti-fatigue mats are made from foam or natural rubber, so they aren't compatible with oil. Instead, choose matting made from nitrile rubber.
• Is it safe to roll a trolley over an anti-fatigue mat? - Trolley wheels quickly damage standard foam-based mats. If your workplace uses trolleys, consider a rubber or vinyl-topped anti-fatigue mat.
• How long do Industrial Anti Fatigue Mats last? - The lifespan depends almost entirely on the usage. If you are using a suitable mat for the environment, you should expect at least three years of usage before replacing the mats.
• Can anti-fatigue mats be stuck to the floor? - We strongly advise against using adhesives as this will damage the mat when you try to move it.

Author Information: The following article has been written by the team at First Mats, combining years of experience with detailed research. This enables us to provide customers like yourself with the best information to help you find the right anti-fatigue mats for your needs and learn how to use them properly and safely.

References;

• Loughborough study with COBA - https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/dspace-jspui/handle/2134/23823
• https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-magazine/activity/sitting-down
• https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/footwear.pdf- Working feet and footwear

First Mats Choice

• AtEase Pebble Standard Anti-Fatigue Mat Roll
  

  ["Pebble Textured Surface","9.4mm Thickness","Great for Industrial usage"]

  2 to 3 working days
  £0.36 Excl. VAT
• Diamond Foam Heavy-Duty Vinyl-Top Fatigue Matting
  

  ["14mm thickness for anti-fatigue","Hardwearing Vinyl covered surface","Rated for Heavy Industrial use"]

  2 to 4 working days
  £0.50 Excl. VAT
• Rubber Workshop Swarf Catch Mat
  

  ["Universal rubber anti-fatigue mat","Excellent drainage","Available in multiple sizes"]

  1 to 2 working days
  £29.90 Excl. VAT