Anti-fatigue matting is specialised matting made from a range of materials which aims to:
- reduce fatigue in the legs, feet and lower back of employees standing for long periods especially on concrete or tiled floors
- provide a non-slip surface
- reduce exposure to cold floor surfaces
- provide anti-fatigue properties whilst allowing for drainage of water or debris
- absorb impact from stock or product being dropped on hard floors
- provide a spark resistant and non-flammable surface which is suitable for work such as bench based welding (specialised nitrile rubber matting).
Anti-fatigue matting can be made from vinyl, wood, pvc tubing, rubber, pvc closed cell foam, carpet, polypropylene, nitrile rubber or marbelised rubber as some examples. Depending on the work environment and purpose, a range of matting products are available as mats or lengths, in standard sizes or custom ordered, available in a range of thicknesses, cut to size and edged if required.
Specific types of anti-fatigue matting are suitable for wet work areas, allowing for drainage and easy wash down. Other types tolerate exposure to grease, oil, acids, alkalis, alcohol or are inflammable. If required in a dry environment such as an office or building entrance where the matting is not exposed to moisture, formal matting can be ordered to match existing office décor.
Other specialised matting available includes; non conductive matting for employees working in electrical tasks, entrance matting which assists in cleaning and drying shoes entering or exiting such as between a factory and office, or glow in the dark matting to help guide employees towards entrances and exits.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
For individuals with a disability such as a lower back condition or those that fatigue easily and work in an area requiring prolonged standing such as factory assembly lines, kitchens, bars or shop service areas, anti-fatigue matting may be beneficial.
Other factors can also contribute to feet, leg and lower back fatigue when standing for prolonged periods including job design and rest break structure including the ability to rotate work posture between sitting and standing, floor surface and also shoe design and comfort. These factors should be considered alongside the need for anti-fatigue matting.
If the requirement for anti-fatigue matting is specific to a person's disability and is not something usually provided by the employer for all employees under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Workplace Modification Scheme. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
(Matting Solutions (no date specified); Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 2006).
Relevant Links:
References:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 2006, OSH Answers: Anti-fatigue Mats, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Ontario, viewed 5 January 2008.
Matting Solutions (no date specified), Matting Solutions: Matting Catalogue, Matting Solutions, Perth, viewed 5 January 2008.