Evaluating Your Current Anti Fatigue Mats - Are They Still Doing the Job?

If your employees have tasks that require them to stand for extended periods during their work day, providing anti fatigue mats can prove useful in combating workplace fatigue and reduces the risk to their overall health. This translates into higher levels of productivity - as it keeps your employees focused on the job at hand - which in turn brings you closer to your bottom line.

However, while anti fatigue mats have a wide range of health and safety benefits to offer, they do need to be assessed every now and then to ensure they are still doing the job. The question though, is how? To help you out, here are some important questions you need to consider when it comes to evaluating your anti fatigue mats:

1. Does the mat adequately respond to movement when stepped on?

Besides providing high levels of comfort, a good anti-fatigue mat also adequately responds to movement whenever someone step on it. So, how can you determine this? Here are a few things you need to check:

• The anti fatigue mat should not leave any compressed areas, especially when weight is placed on it regularly.

• The mat must have the ability to return to its original shape if weight is shifted.

If you find that your anti-fatigue mats fail either one, or both of these tests, chances are they may not be able to offer the everyday support they are intended to.

2. Is the surface texture of your anti fatigue mat worn?

Anti-fatigue mats usually come with a texture on the top of them that helps with gripping. Over time, this texture can become worn and may not grip as securely as it should, causing possible slipping hazards.

3. Does the mat resist movement?

If your anti fatigue mat slips when stepped on, this is a clear indication that they are not doing their job. The material used in the manufacturing of the rubber mat could be breaking down, making them no longer safe to use, and should be replaced.

4. Rubber matting edges are chipped or worn?

Over time anti fatigue matting edges can become worn or chipped, which could cause tripping hazards. If this occurs, they should be replaced immediately.

So, keep the aforementioned questions in mind while evaluating your current anti-fatigue mats, and be sure that they are still doing the job they were intended to do!