Use Anti Fatigue Mats

The use of anti-fatigue mats can reduce work related repetitive strain injuries and muscle/skeletal disorders.

Stagnant work and walking on hard surfaces during the working day without the ability to rest weight-bearing joints, muscles and tendons, can be a strain on the body. For some, this may lead to the development of disorders or worsening of existing ailments in the back, hips or legs/lower limbs.

Research shows that if you stand on a softer basis such as a anti-fatigue mat, this will result in less discomfort in the lower limbs and lumbar spine. This kind of mat can prevent ailments related to long standing and walking on hard surfaces. (1.2). The best effect of the mat is found when using it in combination with shock absorbing shoes.

During your work hours It is both important and correct to be active and use the body and move around, but if the workload becomes too large or too unilateral, health problems may occur. Manual handling of equipment, unfortunate working positions, repetitive movements and heavy physical work are examples of mechanical workplace exposure. How well different people can tolerate such exposures depends, among other things, on the workers’ physical conditions and capacity. In order to maintain the capacity of the muscle skeletal system (strength and mobility) you have to use the body actively.

We recommend that you as much as possible during your workday alternate and vary between different working positions such as standing, walking and sitting, as this will help reduce the overall load of muscles, tendons and joints and this will reduce the risk of muscle skeletal disorders.

References:

  1. Cham R, Redfern MS. Effect of flooring on standing comfort and fatigue. Human Factors, 2001 43;(3):381-391
  2. Redfern MS. Cham R. The influence of flooring on standing comfort and fatigue. AIHAJ. 2000;61:700-708.

Morten Lindberg Espeland | Occupational Health Physiotherapist Aker Care