Anti-fatigue Mats
Anti-fatigue mats are used to reduce tiredness for a person who needs to stand for long hours on hard floors like cement. These mats are usually made of various kinds of materials, such as vinyl, carpeting materials and rubber. However, it should be noted that these products are unable to totally eliminate the problem of weariness caused by standing for a long time. This is particularly true in the industrial setting where workers need to stand all day to perform their duties. Nevertheless, along with the use of proper footwear, anti-fatigue mats can reduce the tiredness that a person feels after standing for a long time.
For the home, this kind of product can be useful for those who need to stand for hours in the kitchen while cooking or baking. It can help in minimizing back, knee and foot strain particularly if the kitchen floor is not provided with vinyl cushion but instead is made of wood, cement or ceramic tile. For the industrial setting, it has been recommended that the use of anti-fatigue mats should be complemented by the provision of shoes that have sufficient cushioning and support for the heel and arch. The work should also be designed so that the worker is able to change his or her position from time to time. A chair or stool can provide a type of footrest that can decrease fatigue.
Carpeted anti-fatigue mats may be used in the kitchen and these are considered to be the cheapest way to decrease a person's fatigue while he or she is standing for long hours if they are provided with cushioning and rubber backing to prevent accidental slipping. However, it is important to ensure that they can be washed and that they can endure several washings. The rubber interlocking mats that are available in hardware stores can be good substitutes for anti-fatigue mats but they are hard to clean and there are only a few color choices. The rubber mats that are designed for industrial use may be used in the home but they are not that easy to clean because they have to be hosed down. Some industrial mats have a highly pebbled or grid surface and these should be avoided because they are difficult to keep clean in the kitchen. Foam mats that are covered with vinyl can be cleaned easily but they are only designed for light use.
For the kitchen, a dense anti-fatigue mat made of rubber is preferred for better support and because it is less tiring. While a foam mat may seem to be preferable because it is softer, the constant balancing that you will need to do will make standing on it more tiresome. Vinyl covered mats are not recommended if you have to stand on the kitchen floor for hours. A possible option that can be recommended for use in the kitchen is the gel-filled anti-fatigue mat. However, this is a more expensive product.
It is also important to choose the mat that is specifically designed for the conditions of the area where you intend to use it. For example, if you plan to utilize it inside the kitchen, you cannot use mats that are designed for dry areas. This may result in accidents due to falls, trips and slips. Some of the issues to consider include whether the mat will be subjected to greases, oils or chemicals; whether it is to be utilized in a food preparation area; the kind of work that has to be performed; whether wheeled carts will normally go through the area; and whether the use of the mat in that particular area will prove to be a hindrance.
