It’s 5 am somewhere... The alarm goes off, and an industrial athlete wakes up to start another day of work. They are one of millions of standing workers in the US. But today, waking up comes with a rush of pain lighting up their feet, legs, and back. These are the unseen effects of long-term standing work. So, what do they do? They lay back down and pick up the phone ... “I won’t be coming into work today.”
Anti-fatigue mats can have a profound impact on worker health. While they do reduce fatigue, they also promote a variety of ergonomic health benefits that go mostly unseen. Unfortunately, the only way to “see” these benefits, is to observe non-ergonomic conditions over a prolonged period. Over time, the slow and eroding effects of concrete begin to rear their ugly heads. Here are some of the major compounding health concerns that proper anti-fatigue matting will help to prevent:
1. Varicose Veins:
There are real, visible effects that develop from long-term standing. Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. Prolonged standing on hard surfaces can cause blood valves to weaken and eventually fail, allowing the blood to flow backward. The veins then expand to accommodate. Varicose veins have been associated with chronic heart/circulatory disorders and hypertension as well. When standing on anti-fatigue matting versus concrete, Wearwell has measured that workers will ‘rock’ from side to side throughout the day. This minimal ‘rocking’ allows the leg muscles to expand and contract, aiding blood valves, and preventing the lead up to varicose veins (in comparison with concrete.)
2. Poor Blood Flow:
Other effects of long-term standing may not be quite as visible. People with underlying circulatory conditions can see these conditions worsen over time when working only on concrete. While matting cannot prevent these from developing, they can aid blood flow in comparison to concrete. “Muscle pump theory” has measured that workers move their legs and body more throughout the day when standing on matting (versus when standing on concrete.) These small, daily blood flow impacts can have a large and even compounding effect over extended periods. Matting may prevent many of the negative compounding effects of concrete on the circulatory system.
3. Joint Compression:
Joint compression is related to long-term standing. Significant pressure on the hips, knees, ankles, and feet reduces the normal cushioning. Plantar Fasciitis, for example, is a strained ligament that gets weak and swollen, causing the bottom of your foot to hurt when you stand or walk. The right anti-fatigue matting will be supportive enough for your workers and will have some preventative effects when it comes to damaging joint compression.
4. Musculoskeletal Disorders:
MSD’s (Musculoskeletal Disorders) are extremely common in the industrial sector. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has stated that muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders account for "33% of all worker injury and illness". MSDs are often painful and disabling. They can require months or even years of treatment, and in severe cases, can be permanently disabling. MSD’s cause absenteeism and lost production in the workplace. The right matting can help with continuous, small, positive impacts.
Mats can help your workers especially when paired with other habits. It is beneficial to stay conscious of your working position, change positions frequently, and wear footwear with adequate arch and heel support. With these changes combined with mats, working conditions will improve. Wearwell mats reduce fatigue, promote wellness, and improve safety by reducing slips and falls!
Product or other questions? Reach out to us at info@wearwell.com!
Wearwell: Prevent, Perform, Compete!
