Fatigue Matting: Learn All You Want To About Fatigue Matting
In today's fast paced life, which gives little time for relaxation, a large number are suffering from fatigue disorders. Well, then what is fatigue matting? Fatigue matting is the use of mats for getting relief form fatigue. Thus, these mats are designed for reducing fatigue that is caused by standing for long periods on hard surface (for instance cement floors). The fatigue-reducing mats can be made of many materials, which include rubber, carpeting materials, vinyl, and even wood. These mats are generally called anti-fatigue mats and are often used to decrease foot weariness for workers who need to stand in one position for long periods. But, providing a mat does not always solve the entire problem. Discomfort, tiredness, and sore feet after long hours of standing are the combined result of several factors, namely the design of the work, the footwear of the worker, and the flooring material. According to scientific data, standing for long periods of time can be particularly stressful and fatiguing. Thus, irrespective of the quality of shoes and quality of the floor covering, standing itself may lead to tiredness after an entire working day.
When Should Anti-Fatigue Mats Be Used?
There are two options to reduce foot discomfort where resilient floors are not practical. The first option is footwear that has thick insulating soles and shock-absorbing insoles while the second option is anti-fatigue matting. Anti-fatigue mats tend to absorb the shock due to walking and this cushioning effect helps in lowering the foot fatigue. However, the use of matting should be done with caution as mats can lead to tripping and falling accidents when not installed properly.
Types:
Another type of floor covering, namely, anti-slip matting, is also useful in increasing foot comfort and safety. However, workers can find that their feet burn and feel sore, as the non-slip properties of anti-slip matting cause their shoes to grab suddenly on the flooring, which make the feet slide forward inside the shoes. Friction inside the shoes produces heat that will create soreness. Though the non-slip resilient insoles may reduce this discomfort. In summary, the use of anti-fatigue mats (fatigue matting) or placing carpeting on the floor will not in any case eliminate sore feet by itself, but, if it is when combined with proper work design and quality footwear, it definitely help in improving the situation in working conditions and provide some comfort to fatigued feet.