What are ergonomic mats and Why are they important

Most often workers may have to conduct task standing, that too for a long time period. This can eventually  lead to leg and joint pain, resulting fatigue, which in turn affects the overall productivity. This is where ergonomic mats come into play. These are mats designed to reduce stress and strain that is induced by prolonged standing. 

What  are ergonomic mats

Ergonomic mats are anti-fatigue mats made of rubber, pvc, gel, vinyl or foam.These mats provide a cushion feature which offers a smooth and comfortable support for legs, reducing muscle tiredness and pain. These mats induce micro-movements on the feet which aids in better blood flood. 

Whether in offices, industrial environments, manufacturing units, or even in home kitchens, these mats are an excellent choice. 

Why choose Ergonomic mats?

There may be a lot of tasks that the workers have to perform by standing in the same position. As mentioned earlier, the continuous standing would likely cause pain and strain up on the feet. 

Workers being the foundation on which any industry thrives, it is essential that their health is better taken care of. And nothing can surpass the effectiveness of mats that are manufactured to ease the stress due to standing. 

So the key benefits of using ergonomic mats are as follows:

1. Reduced strain

The ergonomic mats effectively reduce the strain on the joints and muscles. It will stimulate subtle movements of the feet and promote good posture.  

2. Enhanced productivity

Since these mats potentially reduce the discomfort, it will improve and increase the focus of the workers, allowing them to carry out prolonged tasks without any glitch, thereby enhancing productivity. 

3. Versatility of mats

The application of ergonomic mats extends to various fields which includes industrial settings, offices, food processing units , home kitchens and the like. This diversity in its use makes ergonomic mats a versatile material suitable in any context. 

4. Improved workplace safety

The ergonomic mats are manufactured with anti-slip properties. The sloped edges of the mat adds to this feature.  It stays firm on the floor surface, thereby preventing tripping and falling. 

Factors to consider while choosing ergonomic mats

While choosing ergonomic mats consider the following key points:

1. Durability

The initial investment for an ergonomic mat is comparatively high, but it relatively turns out to be beneficial in the long run. Hence while purchasing an ergonomic mat, do consider its longevity. 

What contributes to its longevity is the material with which it is made of. Ergonomic mats that are made from high-density rubberised foam with a rubber outer layer are ideal to be used in areas where there is constant foot-traffic. 

2. Cleaning

The proper cleaning of the mats are important for its longevity. Thankfully, the cleaning process of most of the ergonomic mats are relatively simple. 

But the cleaning requirements can vary from industry to industry.  Healthcare industry, for instance, may prefer mats which do not easily trap dirt and dust. Hence such mats will be relatively easy to clean, thereby maintaining hygiene. 

Take into consideration the chemicals used for the cleaning process. Some mats would be sensitive to harsh chemicals and may require mild soap and water. 

3. Resilience

When a person stands on an ergonomic mat, the body weight compresses the mat, which is how the cushion effect works,reducing stress on the muscle. 

But once the person steps out of the mat, it should revert back to its original state. This characteristic of the mat is known as resilience. 

In a workspace, the amount of weight that is going to be exerted upon the mat would vary. It depends on the individual body weight and the time duration of standing. So no matter what the condition is, the mat should be able to revert back to its original form. 

An overtly soft mat will not provide the desired effect and a mat that is hard will only cause discomfort, especially on hard floor surfaces.So consider buying mats which are highly resilient.

Standing up right and completing the task without any hindrance, now that’s what adds to the productivity. While the ergonomic mats offer a reasonable solution for prolonged standing, it is obvious that it alone will not suffice. Other safety features should also be taken into consideration. That said, given the support and relief that these mats provide still makes them an ideal choice for the workplace and industries.