Having a sedentary lifestyle because of your job is not a healthy way to live. Getting a standing desk or just switching to a job that requires you to stand more than you sit is a great way to avoid some of the risks. But even for people that work in a more active environment such as a warehouse, standing for a long period of time can also affect your health negatively. While not as much as sitting it’s still taxing on your body.
To make the effects of standing all day at work less impactful you might want to consider having industrial mats. This affordable solution allows you and your workers to have a more comfortable workplace whilst saving a lot of money on maintenance. With mats you also improve the safety of your work area thus prevent a lot of accidents from ever happening. This is guaranteed as long as you get the right type of mats for your workspace.
Types of Industrial Floor Mats
Anti-Fatigue
Mats designed to reduce the amount of stress on your feet are called anti-fatigue mats. These types of industrial floor mats have a layered design that allows for controlled compression. As you step on them they compress to stimulate the muscles on your legs, lower back, and feet. Anti-fatigue mats also improve circulation since they distribute weight evenly and lessen the impact on the feet and legs.
Anti-Slip
When you want to make your workspace safer a good place to start are anti-slip mats. These industrial mats provide enough traction to prevent falls and slips. Quickly moving workers and hardwood flooring are a recipe for disaster. But with these strong and stiff mats you’ll avoid accidents as they don’t bunch up. When combined with slip-resistant shoes they greatly reduce the chances of someone slipping.
Non-Conductive
Another type of mats made with safety in mind are non-conductive mats. These are placed near electrical equipment to prevent a worker from getting shocked. They are usually made from a PVC compound with insulative properties that guard against electricity. Non-conductive mats are also used to provide some traction which makes them work as anti-slip mats at the same time.
Scraper
Something that’s needed outside your facility is a scraper mat. This type of mat is made of rubber or vinyl and it is used to help scrape off dirt and moisture off shoes. They do absorb some moisture and act as anti-slip mats at the same time.
Wiper
Used together with scraper mats, wiper floor mats should be placed on the inside of the entryway of your facility. They have a vinyl or rubber backing and absorb water alongside being able to trap small dust and dirt particles. Wiper mats are however made of tough fabrics like microfibre and olefin.
Entrance
These industrial floor mats are a mix between scraper and wiper mats except they cover more ground. For an entrance mat to be effective, a person must take about 8 to 10 steps otherwise, debris and dirt won’t be absorbed as effectively.
Oil-Absorbent
As the name suggests, oil-absorbent mats are specifically made for facilities that make use of oil or grease. Whilst being able to absorb oil is their primary goal, oil-absorbent mats also act as an anti-slip surface.
Drainage
Thanks to holes and slots drainage mats are able to channel water down the floor. This increases worker safety since the mat is what your workers are going to be stepping on and not the wet floor.
Heated
A type of mat that is made for the outdoor area of your facility is a heated mat. This type of industrial mat is hooked up to a cable connected to a power source which provides it with heat. If your workers are out working in cold climates getting this type of mat or a set of them is essential to keep their feet warm as well as to provide them with a non-slip surface.
Noise/ Vibration Mats
If your facility produces a lot of noise and vibrations then getting this type of mat is a no-brainer. Working in a facility where machinery is working at full-speed creates an uncomfortable working environment. Apart from getting earplugs, noise/ vibration mats should be considered too as they help keep machinery from clanking away on the cold cement. This way you also protect machines from getting damaged.
Stair Tread
To ensure you have safe access to a higher up floor make sure to put stair tread mats. These mats go on the top of stairs both for safety and comfort.
Runners
If your facility has lengthy hallways then consider runners as they are specifically made to make walking more comfortable.
Sanitary & Cleanroom
Sanitary mats pick up whatever’s on the soles of your worker’s shoes, dust, dirt you name it. Designed for cleanroom applications, cleanroom mats are not the same as sanitary mats. Unlike sanitary mats, cleanroom mats are easily-washable which helps prevent the spread and growth of bacteria and germs.
Industrial Updating 