Facts About Fatigue
Did you know that?
- Fatigue from excessive standing can cause more serious health problems than aches and pains.
- Common symptoms also include varicose veins, bunions, lower back pain, Achilles tendonitis, heel ailment (such as plantar fasciitis), arthritis, joint stiffness and heart/circulatory problems.
- Pain and tiredness can lead to more serious lapses in concentration and increases the risk of other accidents in the workplace.
- In 2009/10, it was estimated that over 500,000 people* who had worked in the last 12 months suffered ill health through musculoskeletal disorders.
- So called short-lived ailments can turn into irreversible health conditions.
- By law, employers have a responsibility to do all that is reasonably practicable to protect their workers' health and safety.
Those at Risk
- Assembly/Production line workers
- Machine operators
- Retail staff, ie checkout
- Postal sorting operatives
- Healthcare workers
- Warehouse operatives
- Catering staff, ie bartenders
- Laundry workers
What happens when we stand?
Foot and leg movement is nature's way of making the muscles and veins work together in an expanding and contracting action. As the calf muscles contract, they compress the veins pumping blood upwards to the heart, which is known as the venous system. Venous valves in the leg veins prevent the blood from flowing in a downwards direction which would otherwise 'pool' causing increased pressure and swelling.
Scientific Study Supports Anti-Fatigue Matting
A scientific study conducted by Loughborough University emphatically confirmed that anti-fatigue mats can significantly increase comfort to workers who stand for prolonged periods.
The experiment using 14 participants was a scientific comparison between standing on concrete and a range of anti-fatigue mats supplied by COBA Europe. It compared thermal comfort and fatigue using both objective and subjective measures in a series of 'mat' and 'no mat' conditions.
Conclusions revealed statistically significant benefits to users of anti-fatigue mats with reduced levels of fatigue after each 90 minute test period. Improved comfort was experienced especially to the lower and upper legs, and lower back area.
Read more
How can Anti-Fatigue Matting help?
Anti-fatigue matting helps to promote regular foot movement as feet naturally adapt to the cushioned surface of the mat. This is only a subtle action but one that can really help blood circulation and with it, oxygen reaching the heart. Anti-fatigue matting reduces, and can even prevent, the health risks associated with prolonged standing.
To discuss how anti-fatigue matting could help you and your staff, or to arrange a site visit then please call us on +44 (0)116 240 1055 or click here to email us.
*Source: HSE