Factory workers, cashiers, and salespeople all have something in common. They spend a lot of time
standing on their feet. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but there are some health consequences. A few of the common problems include varicose veins, back pain, joint pain, and swollen feet or legs. A solution embraced by many workplaces is rubber floor mats. These mats offer a cushion between the employee and the floor that reduces those health problems. Of course, you must replace the mats periodically. The question is, when should you replace them. Keep reading and we'll give you some signs that your mats are ready for replacement.
Mats Show Signs Of Surface Wear
Even if you buy high-quality
anti-fatigue mats, they'll only last so long. This is especially true in high-traffic areas like doorways. Many mats come with a textured surface. That texturing assists with traction. You can also use it as a visual cue. Periodically check that surface texture. If it's worn down or worn smooth, it's time for new mats.
Your Anti-fatigue Mats Slip
Slipping, tripping, and falling cause around
19% of workplace injuries that lead to employees missing work. Missed days of work cost you in lost productivity before you even get into workman's comp. Workplace injuries also damage workplace morale. Not only do employees worry about their injured coworker, they worry about their own safety. The daily abuse your mats take can eventually make the mat material break down. Think of it like this. Say you use a workbench for pounding together parts. After a while, the workbench shows signs of stress. Let it go on long enough and the top of the workbench will fail. People standing and walking on mats is like hitting the surface of a workbench in slow motion thousands of times. The mat material breaks down, and the mats start slipping. If you see mats slipping, it's time for fresh mats.
The Mats Lose Resilience
When new, anti-fatigue mats spring back into shape as soon as your foot moves, you know your mats are in good shape. Any mat will start losing that springiness over time. The constant, repeated compression of the mat just wears it out. You can actually test the resilience without a lot of trouble. Put something heavy on the mat for a while. If the mat stays compressed for any length of time when you remove the weight, you need a new mat. There's also a side benefit. Replacing the mats shows your employees that their safety and comfort matter to you. Actions like that improve employee happiness. Happy employees are
more productive.
Parting Thoughts
Deciding when you should replace your rubber floor mats isn't something you can put on a schedule. You must keep an eye on the mats for signs that they're near the end of the useful life. A few key signs are significant surface wear, lost resilience, and the mats slipping on the floor. When you see those signs, you should invest in new mats. DACO specializes in material handling and
packaging solutions, as well as ergonomic and safety equipment. For more information about our products,
contact us today.
