Anti-fatigue mats: why use them for standing work?

Why use anti-fatigue mats?

Professional anti-fatigue floor coverings have been designed to solve problems encountered in certain workplaces. These include workplaces where employees have to work in a standing position. Over time, the upright position can cause health problems that can prove serious for some people, if solutions are not put in place.

As experts in floor mats for professionals, NeoSol explains in this article why you should opt for an anti-fatigue mat and what its benefits are. But first, it's important to know the figures on the long-term consequences of standing work.

Standing work: alarming statistics

In France, over 10,000 employees in all sectors work standing up all day. Without realizing it, these people expend 20% more energy every day. Working in a standing position means working in a posture that can, over the long term, trigger physical ailments that turn into occupational illnesses.

Illnesses caused by poor working conditions are leading to an increase in sick leave, which is a real public health problem. There are 131 million days of absence due to illness caused in the workplace, and more specifically by standing work. 24% of these days of absence are due to back, leg and/or foot problems(WHO study).

Working in an upright position not only affects the employee's physical condition, but also his or her mental state. Standing for 1.5 hours accelerates physical fatigue and reduces concentration by 50 minutes. In industry or even commerce, concentration is essential if a person is to be operational. Failure to do so can have serious consequences, including carelessness, falls and accidents.

The use of a professional mat is therefore highly recommended, and even compulsory. For safety and comfort at work, this type of floor covering is protective equipment that can be individual and/or collective, depending on the model.

Anti-fatigue mats: the solution for standing work

Having recognized the physical and psychological risks of standing and static posture, it's now time to discover the solution that will improve working conditions for people in all sectors of activity: hotels, restaurants, reception areas, retail outlets and many others.

The anti-fatigue mat is a floor covering that responds to this problem, which many companies still encounter today. This solution has been developed to enable employees to work safely and more comfortably. As its name suggests, it is anti-fatigue, i.e. it reduces body fatigue and enables the individual placed on it to work in an upright, more ergonomic position.

What does the anti-fatigue mat do for you?

The anti-fatigue mat is made from materials that have revolutionized standing work. It offers a number of advantages, including reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and added safety at work. Here are the 3 key benefits of anti-fatigue mats.

1. Reduce body pain

RSI is 95% of all work-related illnesses. In this situation, the part of the body that accentuates fatigue is located at the level of the Cinderella fibers. Scientific studies explain that the body's muscles are trained to remain in an upright position, and act automatically. Repetitive standing, however, fatigues these muscles. The first signs of RSI appear.

2. Improved posture

Man is not meant to be static, but always in motion. Standing is not really dangerous, but the body cannot remain in this position for long periods, especially on a hard or unsuitable floor. The anti-fatigue mat provides balance and stability. This covering is made up of pimples that act directly on posture. The body is naturally rebalanced. Muscles and neck muscles will be under less strain, and your limbs will remain straight and less bent. Employee comfort and safety are enhanced.

3. Increases productivity

Good posture means greater concentration. Once the body feels less the fatigue and hardships of standing work, concentration will be less impacted. Depending on the job, if concentration isn't at its peak, there's a high risk of accident. The third objective and advantage of this mat is to enable employees to be well positioned to focus their intention and energy on the work at hand. Because more concentration means more peace of mind and greater productivity.

As you can see, anti-fatigue mats are essential for jobs requiring standing work. NeoSol offers several models of anti-fatigue mats, each with its own specific characteristics. Our priority is the comfort and safety of our employees, which is why we offer a wide range of top-quality ergonomic floor coverings.

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