Buying Guides

Businesses today compete for attention across countless platforms. Customers have more choices than ever, so brand loyalty is becoming harder to secure. In this landscape, a brand’s image needs to be more than a logo—it must communicate values, quality, and trust at every point of contact. When your logo appears consistently and intentionally on various products, it becomes a familiar beacon, something that speaks to your brand’s presence and promise. But it’s not just about visibility; it’s about creating an experience. The strategic use of a logo transforms ordinary items into brand assets, conveying a message without saying a word. It’s the difference between a generic welcome mat and a branded logo mat that greets every visitor. It’s the effect...

Understanding the different surface textures of anti-fatigue matting is essential for selecting the right one for your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats come in various textures, each designed to provide specific benefits depending on the environment and usage. Some common textures include smooth, pebbled, and ribbed surfaces, each offering different levels of comfort, grip, and durability. Smooth anti-fatigue mats are ideal for areas requiring easy cleaning and minimal resistance underfoot. This type of matting is often found in places like kitchens and laboratories where cleanliness is crucial. In contrast, pebbled or ribbed textures provide better grip and increased slip resistance, making them suitable for industrial and commercial settings where safety is a priority. Choosing the right texture can significantly impact workplace comfort...

Introduction Industrial matting plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, comfort, and efficiency in various work environments. This fact sheet provides essential information about the different types of industrial mats, including Anti-Fatigue Mats, Rubber Mats, Swarf Mats, Anti-Static Matting, and Drainage Matting. You will find facts about their sizes, thicknesses, materials, uses, and lifespans. Types of Industrial Matting Anti-Fatigue Mats Description and Primary Use: Designed to reduce fatigue caused by prolonged standing, these mats provide cushioning and support for workers. Common Materials: Typically made from PVC foam or rubber. Typical Sizes and Thicknesses: Common sizes include 2ft x 3ft and 3ft x 5ft, with thicknesses ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 inch. Key Benefits: Enhances comfort, reduces fatigue, and improves...

Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past ten years, while gas has risen 250% over the past couple of years. Perhaps you’re looking for ways of keeping your workforce warm at work for less? The wholesale cost of buying UK electricity this winter Keeping your workforce warm should be a priority because cold workers are less productive. Long-term exposure to the cold can result in long-term health problems: respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular disorders, as well as a range of debilitating skin problems. Turning the heating up is one solution, but it will impact your profit margin, and it's...

The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry Are slips, trips, and falls costing your business dearly? Is your workforce underperforming? Are you missing expertise on the floor due to personal injury in the workplace? It could be time to consider how to mitigate the risks of slips, trips, and falls by installing appropriate matting and flooring. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), slip and trip accidents cost UK employers over £500m yearly. That's from lost production time; product or plant damage; loss of expertise — the figures stack up and up and up. This article explores how you might mitigate against the risks of slips, trips, and falls in your workplace, ensuring that your workforce...

Door mats might not stand out as being the most obvious product to boast an interesting manufacturing history, but the truth of the matter is that coir matting is produced in a fascinating fashion. So, while you may be aware of the many benefits that they can bring to your home or business, gaining a little background insight can be very useful too. Coir comes from the outer husk – that you won’t see in the supermarkets - of a coconut, which is incredible enough. However, the material (obviously) doesn’t instantly become a doormat once it is scraped from the coconut. It embarks on an epic journey before reaching your doorway. From nut to mat, here’s all you need to...

Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'. The original document offers comprehensive information on how employers, self-employed individuals, and franchisees can comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) to protect workers' health. Key Guidelines for Safe Storage of Chemicals Ensure that only trained workers have access to stored chemical products. The storage area should be kept locked. Provide good washing facilities. Maintain good ventilation in the storage area, with 5-10 air changes per hour and a through draught. Keep a spill clean-up kit nearby. Segregate chemicals that might react together and contain spills from burst containers. Never decant concentrate...

Executive Summary: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics in Great Britain, 2023 This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Great Britain for the year 2023. The report presents a detailed analysis of the prevalence, causes, and impacts of these disorders, with data sourced primarily from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). 1. 473,000 Workers Suffered from Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in 2022/23 The HSE report reveals that an estimated 473,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2022/23, which equates to a prevalence rate of 1,400 per 100,000 workers (Source: LFS, annual estimate, 2022/23). 2. 6.6 Million Working Days Lost Due to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in 2022/23 The...

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics 2023 This article is compiled by First Mats and provides an executive summary of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain for the year 2022/23. 135 Workers Killed in Work-Related Accidents in 2022/23 The report shows that a total of 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain in the year 2022/23. This is an increase from the previous year, indicating a possible trend of increasing work-related fatalities. The data for this information was sourced from the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). (Page 6) Construction and Agriculture Sectors Account for the Highest Number of Fatalities The construction and agriculture,...

An Executive Summary of the HSE Report: Costs to Britain of Workplace Fatalities and Self-reported Injuries and Ill Health, 2021/22 Published in November 2023, this report presents the latest estimates of costs to Britain resulting from workplace injuries and work-related ill-health for the fiscal year 2021/22. In this executive summary, we aim to distill the main facts and statistics from the extensive report into a digestible format for our readers. 1. Over a million workers are injured or made ill by their work in Great Britain annually Statistic from the HSE shows that every year, more than a million workers in Britain are injured or get sick due to their workplaces. This not only impacts the individuals and their families,...

Executive Summary of HSE Report 2022: Key Findings on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders This blog post provides a summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Great Britain till March 2022. The report contains several essential statistics that help understand the significant impact of these disorders on the working population. 477,000 Workers Suffered From Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in 2021/22 According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS), an estimated 477,000 workers were affected by new or pre-existing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the year 2021/22 (HSE Report, p.4). The disorders most commonly affected the upper limbs or neck (175,000 cases), the back (202,000 cases), and lower limbs (99,000 cases) 7.3 Million Working Days...

Generators, while vital in modern life for a variety of applications, come with certain environmental risks. When not managed properly, spills from these machines can have devastating effects on our natural surroundings. But with proper care and containment measures, these risks can be substantially minimised. Understanding the Consequences of Spills Soil Contamination: A single spill can negatively affect soil health and its productive capacity. When chemicals from the generator leach into the ground, they disrupt ecosystems, making it difficult for plants and microorganisms to thrive. Water Pollution: Spills often find their way into our water systems, leading to marine life deaths and posing health risks to humans who consume this water. Air Quality: Emissions from unburned fuel contribute to air...

Workplace oil spills are more than just an inconvenient mess; they present serious risks to employee safety and the environment. Several pieces of legislation in the UK, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the Environmental Protection Act 1990, emphasise the importance of spill prevention and containment. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to significant fines, reputation damage, and environmental harm. This article will explore the various methods and equipment designed to prevent and clean up workplace oil spills, helping you adhere to these regulations and maintain a safe working environment. Preventing Oil Spills Preventing oil spills is an essential aspect of workplace safety and environmental responsibility. It is not merely about...

In an era where environmental responsibility and sustainable practices take centre stage, understanding the various components of these efforts is paramount. One such component, extensively used in the automotive industry, is AdBlue. While it significantly reduces harmful emissions, there are crucial factors to consider about its use, specifically its effects on health and the environment. In this comprehensive exploration, we'll delve into the intricacies of AdBlue, demystify its uses, discuss its potential hazards, and elaborate on effective spill containment practices, referring to UK legislation and insights from industry expert Richard O'Connor, Technical Director at First Mats. What is AdBlue, and What is it Used For? AdBlue is a solution comprised of high-purity, synthetically produced urea (32.5%) dissolved in deionised water...

Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking speed, language, understanding, judgement, mood, and movement. It impacts more than 850,000 people in the UK, with one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six people over 80 living with the condition[1]. For those with dementia, simple changes in their environment, such as the colour of a door mat, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, enhancing their quality of life. The Importance of Colour in Dementia Care Colour therapy can be beneficial for those with memory loss. Different colours can provide contrast in spaces and help distinguish different objects[2]. For example, painting a door a colour that contrasts with the...

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a common material used in construction and renovation projects. While it's a versatile and useful material, moving plasterboard can be challenging due to its size and fragility. In this article, we'll share tips for moving plasterboard safely and efficiently. UK Legislation on Safe Handling of Plasterboard Before we delve into the tips for moving plasterboard safely and efficiently, it's important to understand the UK legislation that governs these activities. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) mandates employers to take measures to prevent risks to the health and safety of their employees. This includes risks associated with manual handling tasks, such as lifting and carrying plasterboard. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations...

What Does UDL Mean? UDL, or Uniformally Distributed Load, is a term used in the field of manual handling equipment to describe the weight capacity of a particular piece of equipment. Put simply, UDL refers to the maximum weight capacity of equipment where the weight is spread uniformally, rather than concentrated on a single place. It's a concept that goes beyond simply stating the maximum weight a piece of equipment can handle. Instead, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of how weight should be distributed on the equipment for optimal performance and safety. Why is UDL Important? The importance of UDL lies in its ability to provide a more accurate and safe measure of load capacity. When we talk about the...

As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as bunded pallets and IBC bunds. These are secondary containment systems designed to prevent the escape of hazardous chemicals or liquids in case of a spill or leak. Not only do these systems protect your assets, but they also contribute to maintaining the safety and health of people and the environment. In this article, we'll focus on the importance of bund integrity testing for bunded pallets and IBC bunds, the different methods available for this process, and the benefits of regular testing. Spill Containment Bunds: Bunded Pallets and IBC Bunds Bunded pallets and...