Anti Fatigue Mats Buyer's Guide

Anti fatigue mats have become a very important componet of workplace safety and productivity. Infact, recent studies have shown that ergonomic enhancements to the workplace have lowered worker compensation claims & absenteeism, while raising general work satisfaction and productivity. All of this translates into a healthier bottom-line (profits).

How Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Work?

Basically, anti-fatigue mats promote healthy blood-flow through your legs and back, in addition to providing a cushioned surface for you to stand on...

Blood-flow becomes restricted when leg muscles are forced to work on hard floor surfaces. As the leg muscles become static and constricted, pain and discomfort increases. In addition, the heart is forced to work much harder to pump blood to these constricted areas, and as a result, the body begins to run out of energy.

Energy is a key factor in increasing worker productivity, and when it depletes, sluggishness and lack of focus sets in.

Anti fatigue mats allow a worker's muscles to contract and expand with the resilience(bounce) of the mat. Natural contraction and expansion is critical in promoting healthy blood-flow, which allows the heart to operate efficiently. Cushioned surfaces also aid in reducing the stress on bones and joints, greatly enhancing the "work" experience.

What to Look for in Anti Fatigue Mats

Here's a bullet-point list of the things you need to look for in an anti fatigue mat:

• Level of relief: Are you looking for an exceptional amount of relief? Depending on your needs, you may want to select one of the following materials:
  • Zedlan^TM Foam: Exceptional relief
  • Molded Rubber: Better relief
  • Laminated Vinyl Foam Base: Better relief
  • Vinyl Sponge: Good relief
    
• Safety factors: Here are a few things to consider :
  • Beveled edges / Ramps: Prevent tripping and allow easy cart access.
  • Non-slip Surface: Slips, accidents, and falls can be greatly reduced.
  • Safety Borders: Colorful borders easily identify the mat to prevent trips and accidents
    
• Environment: Where will the mats be used?
  • Dry Environment: A basic vinyl sponge or foam base mat is recommended.
  • Wet Environment: A rubber mat or laminated foam base is recommended. Holes may be needed to allow drainage of fluids.
  • Oily / Greasy / Chemicals: Rubber with nitrile compound can withstand harsh substances.
    
• Light or Heavy Use: What type of traffic do the mats need to withstand?
  • Heavy Foot Traffic: Rubber w/ vinyl or Zedlan foam base is best.
  • Heavy Cart Traffic: Durable vinyl or durable rubber mats are recommended.
  • Light to Medium Foot Traffic: Vinyl sponge or foam mats are adequate.

 To help you make your selection, we have categorized our anti fatigue mats and then assigned ratings within each category. The ratings are as follows:

• Ultimate: Extra durable, reliable in harsh environments, and incorporates many safety factors.
• Best: Withstands heavy-use, resists harsh environments, and incorporates many safety factors.
• Better: For light to medium use w/ safety features and/or environment resistance.
• Good: For light to medium use w/ some safety features.

Choose from one of the following categories of anti fatigue mats:

Dry to Moist Area Anti Fatigue Mats

Wet / Greasy Area Drainage Mats & Kitchen Mats

Chemical Resistant Anti Fatigue Mats

Anti Static / Insulative Mats

Clean Room / Labarotory Mats