Buying Guides
The Best Anti-Fatigue Mats by Job Role
Anti-fatigue mats are one of the best, most cost-effective ways of improving health and safety at your premises and boosting employee productivity and engagement. There are many different available, so we thought that we would take this opportunity to highlight some of the options for specific job roles.
In the office
Many office workers choose to use a standing or hybrid desk, as there are several health benefits, and the price of these units is becoming much more affordable. Unfortunately for those workers who are standing on harder surfaces – laminates, wood, even the thinner types of carpet found in a lot of professional offices – the standing desk can lead to problems with joints, stiffness, swollen feet and backache.
The solution is an anti-fatigue mat that is designed for office workers, better known as Standing Desk Mats. Choose a high-quality, high-density foam construction that provides just enough cushioning for the user to feel more comfortable without being so soft that it does not provide support.
Behind the counter
In retail settings, the worker will likely do a lot of twisting and leaning. This kind of activity can quickly cause wear and tear to the matting – so you will need something that is designed for this kind of abuse. Look for toughened PVC surfaces that are built for longevity. Otherwise, you may find that you are replacing your mats too frequently for them to be cost-effective.
Standard Shop Floor Standing Mat
The Standard Shop Floor Standing Mat is a simple and effective way to improve comfort for staff who spend time on their feet in shops and retail settings. Whether its…
- Ideal Thickness: 9mm cushioning provides the perfect balance of comfort and support.
- Flexible Sizing Options: Choose from standard sizes or customize for the perfect fit.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for dry retail and commercial environments.
- Quick Delivery: Standard mats delivered in 2–3 days (custom sizes within 5 days).
From £22.50 + VAT
By Lathes and CNC Machines
Machinists will know all too well about the importance of safety when operating their lathe or CNC. Eye and ear protection are widely recommended, but floor mats can be equally as important.
With metal machining comes swarf, the small bits of metal shaved off a block during a turning or milling process. While safety googles will protect your eyes, they won't protect you against slippery floors. That's where swarf mats come in. These rubber mats feature a pattern of holes that effectively trap the swarf, keeping it contained within the mat area. The rubber surface adds grip to prevent the machine operator from slipping on the floor, while creating a softer surface to stand on, helping fight the effects of fatigue.
Non-Slip Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mat
The Non-Slip Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mat is a practical choice for busy workshops, factories, and wet work areas. Designed to provide reliable comfort and grip, it supports staff through daily standing…
- Swarf Management: Holes trap swarf and isolate debris for easy cleaning.
- Slip Resistant: Rated 4/5 for secure footing in wet and dry conditions.
- Anti-Fatigue Comfort: Reduces discomfort with a 4/5 fatigue rating.
- Durable Construction: Made from natural rubber for long-term reliability.
From £24.90 + VAT
On the production line
In production settings, you can choose from a couple of different mats depending on the type of environment – how much traffic the mat will see, whether it is a wet or dry site and the kind of work that is undertaken. For lighter use, a good cost-effective option will focus on the anti-fatigue properties at the expense of being super hard-wearing and durable, as those users will not be making heavy demands on their matting.
AtEase Standard Anti-Fatigue Mat
The AtEase Standard Anti-Fatigue Mat offers a simple, effective way to improve comfort in light-use work areas. Whether youre packing boxes or assembling small items, this mat provides welcome relief…
- Optimal Thickness: 9mm cushioning provides the perfect balance of comfort and support.
- Flexible Sizing Options: Choose from standard sizes or customize for the perfect fit.
- Safety First: High-visibility yellow safety border and beveled edges reduce trip risks.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for dry industrial and commercial spaces.
From £22.50 + VAT
For welding stations
At the welding station, of course, flame retardancy is a high priority. Stray sparks, dripped molten metal, and other by-products of the welding process can quickly damage a mat that is not built for purpose, which will mean you need to replace the mat or risk the mat becoming a trip hazard in its own right. Check your mat for the British Standard related to fire resistance – BS EN 13501-1:2002 is the one to look out for.
Anti-Fatigue Welding Mat
The Anti-Fatigue Welding Mat is built to provide lasting comfort and safety in welding bays and fabrication areas. Designed for environments where sparks and hot metal debris are common, it…
- Flame Retardant Surface: Certified to BS EN 13501-1:2002 Class Cfl-s1.
- High-Density Foam: Reduces fatigue and boosts worker comfort.
- 15mm Thickness: Offers enhanced cushioning and durability.
- Slip Resistant: Pyramid pattern finish for secure footing.
From £61.19 + VAT
In the kitchen
Professional kitchen environments need a balance of comfort, anti-slip properties, and resistance to the oils, greases and detergents that will inevitably drip, spill or splatter. You need to look for a mat that is marked as safe for use around oil and grease – typically made from nitrile rubber.
These locations will also usually have the same need as machine shops when it comes to collecting any dropped substances and preventing them from becoming slip hazards or from being trodden around the rest of your site.
Kitchen Non-Slip Rubber Floor Mat
The Kitchen Non-Slip Rubber Floor Mat is a practical choice for busy commercial kitchens, offering comfort underfoot and reliable slip resistance in wet or dry areas. Made from durable natural…
- Natural Rubber Construction: Combines comfort and durability for intensive use.
- Honeycomb Surface: Enhances grip and fatigue resistance.
- Effective Drainage: Mat wells remove liquids to keep areas safe.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for wet or dry environments.
From £19.45 + VAT
In oily environments
Environments such as oil refineries require many of the same features as professional kitchens regarding industrial matting – their mats must be oil-resistant (obviously), anti-slip, hard-wearing and, of course, slightly flexible. At these sites, however, the use case is considerably more heavy-duty. Look for a heavy-duty, oil-resistant matting with excellent anti-slip properties, otherwise, you will be exposing your employees to the likelihood of slip and fall accidents.
In clinical and food production environments
Hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical sites, food manufacturing facilities – all of these need matting that can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. This will require high-temperature tolerances, resistance to damage from detergents and good drainage. Choose a mat with holes for water or other liquids to escape through quickly and a closed-cell construction to ensure that the mat can tolerate a broad range of temperatures.
In premises where chemicals are used
Where chemical spills, splashes or drips are a risk, your anti-fatigue mat must be built to withstand those often caustic substances. There is no need to sacrifice the anti-fatigue benefits, however, as you can find mats on the market that are designed to resist commonly used chemicals, oils, and other products found on the industrial site, while also giving good cushioning and flexibility.
