As a business owner or even as a PCBU (a person conducting a business or an undertaking), you have an obligation to take care of your employees. After all, they are the ones that keep your business running smoothly. However, they can’t do their job properly when they suffer from excessive pain and fatigue caused from standing in one place for long periods. This is very hard on the body and it can cause a lot of problems for your employees and your company.
You may have heard that anti-fatigue floor mats is a great solution to this very common problem but are they really effective? Do these floor mats really make a difference? The answer is yes and yes.
Indeed, they do. They are designed to make standing easier and more comfortable for employees whose jobs require them to stay in one place for long periods. Therefore, they can help create a more favourable work environment for your employees and it’s all due to their unique design.
However, it is important to choose the right anti-fatigue floor mat for your employees. Here at Alsco, we have high quality mats for you to choose from. If you are not sure how they help, make sure to read the rest of the article carefully. You could also give one of our friendly representatives a call to confirm any doubt that you have.
Hazards of Standing
You often hear how standing is good for you and how it can help keep you healthy. While this is true, standing for long hours at a time can actually be bad for you. For many people, standing is a big part of their job, but standing for long periods is physically demanding and it won’t take long before it begins to take a toll on the body.
Standing on a hard surface all day puts pressure on your body that causes your back, legs and joints to ache and hurt. Over time, it can cause a variety of medical conditions that result in lost time from work.
Standing for long parts of the working day for days on end, as is required by many jobs is not good news for the lower limbs of the body. Ohsrep.org.au says that the most commonly reported symptoms are discomfort, fatigue and swelling in the legs. Workers who tend to spend too much time standing on their feet tend to get problems which range from bunions and corns to flat feet or heel spurs.
Other more prolonged and serious diseases may arise out of the fact that standing for long periods of time causes blood to collect in the legs and feet, which causes inflammation of the veins. If this continues, it can lead to a painful condition known as varicose veins. Apart from that, joints in the spine, hips, knees and feet become temporarily immobilised or locked which can lead to rheumatic diseases and other health problems.
Studies have even suggested that standing for long periods of time can affect the growth and development of the foetus in pregnant women.
Anti-Fatigue Floor Mats Can Make a Difference
These mats have many benefits that will help reduce the aches and pains along with many of the medical conditions caused by standing all day. They provide a cushion between the employee and the floor, which takes some of the pressure off of the joints.
They encourage subtle movement, which increases blood flow and decreases swelling in the lower part of the body. They also reduce fatigue that can interfere with production and increase the risk of having an accident. Anti-fatigue mats can also reduce the risk of employees suffering from serious medical conditions that result in lost time from work.
Since these mats also reduce fatigue, they help to create a friendlier and more positive work environment that will portray your company as a well-organized and prosperous business. Taking care of your employees by creating a safe and healthy workplace will also encourage loyalty. It shows that you really do appreciate your employees and they will be thankful for your efforts. All in all, anti-fatigue mats help to create a better work environment for everyone.
How Your Company Benefits from Providing Anti-Fatigue Mats
The health of your employees is very important to your business. When they are happy and pain-free, they do a better job and that benefits your company as much as it does the employees. They will be more productive since they won’t be suffering from excessive back and joint pain. It can also reduce loss time from work and that benefits everyone.
Employees will begin suffering from fatigue along with aches and pain in the joints, legs, shoulders and back. Standing for long periods restricts blood flow in the lower extremities and causes swelling in the feet, legs and ankles. Over time, it can get worse and even lead to serious problems that can affect your quality of work, reduce production and increase absentees.
Employees can suffer from conditions such as varicose veins, knee pain and plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia area, which is the thick tissue that connects the toes to the heel. Fortunately, anti-fatigue floor mats can help.
As a result of these benefits, you’ll notice happier employees and an increase in production. There’s a good possibility that you’ll also see a decrease in your insurance premiums since these mats do help to reduce certain types of injuries caused by standing and the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
Invest In Quality Mats
To ensure you’re doing all you can to make the job easier and safer for your employees, invest in good quality floor mats. When you choose Alsco Anti-Fatigue Mats, you can depend on it to be durable. All of our mats are made from quality material that will hold up to everyday use and last for years. The non-skid backing holds the mats in place for safety and they’re easy to keep clean.
No matter what type of business you have, if you have employees that stand for long periods, make sure they’re standing on quality anti-fatigue floor mats. Not only will they feel better, but it will also create a safe and comfortable environment, increase production and reduce lost time from work so everyone benefits.
Make your employees who stand for extended periods of time feel less tired and work better. Start your free trial of our Anti-Fatigue mats at your workplace.
Image Courtesy: Ed Schipul