Maciej MinorowskiProlonged standing work carries certain health risks. It is associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders (known as MSDs) and other injuries that affect the condition and efficiency of the musculoskeletal system, including varicose veins, muscle pain, ankle pain, cardiovascular problems. An uncomfortable workstation and forced standing causes workers to suffer from decreased productivity, general fatigue, injuries and ultimately absenteeism from work. Hard concrete floors are considered the worst type of floor for standing. Therefore, increasingly such floors are being covered with anti-fatigue mats to reduce the negative impact of standing on cold floors.
How do the mats work?
The use of anti-fatigue mats is one of the most effective ergonomic measures for standing workstations. Ergonomic workstation mats encourage the person standing on them to make minimal movements. Although these movements are barely perceptible, they lead to the activation of the venous pump in the lower extremities and thus counteract the negative effects of prolonged standing.
From studies, surveys and our experience, we can conclude that:
· on average, about 86% of users found that anti-fatigue mats help reduce pain and other serious ailments among employees; and 82% noticed a link between the mats’ performance and increased productivity in their company,
· based strictly on the “muscle” studies conducted of the middle back and lower body, feelings of fatigue and discomfort are reduced by about 30% when using the mats.
COBA Europe offers mats for any working environment – dry, wet, oily or dusty, for single and multi-shift workstations, from station mats to long production lines to custom surfaces. Customers have access to floor specialty products with anti-slip, anti-static (ESD), flame-retardant (welding), electro-insulating or chemical-resistant properties. COBA products are used in the electromechanical, electronic, automotive, aerospace, machining, furniture, logistics and many other sectors.
