ERGOMAT ergonomic anti-fatigue mats were developed specifically to solve the problems of short-term fatigue and long-term injury associated with standing work positions. The ERGOMAT product line represents the most advanced technology for this purpose available in the marketplace today.
By providing an elastic surface to stand on, an ERGOMAT stimulates muscle activity in feet and legs. As described above, this is important for the proper function of the venous pump and hence for the prevention of fatigue and injury.
This thermal photograph compares circulation in the lower body of a standing worker. The image on the right shows the worker standing on an ERGOMAT. Red and yellow tones indicate higher skin temperatures resulting from stimulated muscle activity and hence circulation in the legs and feet, promoted by the ERGOMAT’s unique elastic properties and proprietary polymer formulation. The image on the left shows circulation patterns without the ERGOMAT. Blues and greens in this image are evidence of poor circulation, a reliable predictor of fatigue and muscle disorders.
ERGOMAT anti-fatigue mats can be expected to significantly reduce the incidence of cumulative trauma injuries to the feet, legs and lower back. The Bureau of Worker’s Compensation collects official data on injuries. While each company is unique, this data provides an indication of the trends involved. Using the state of Ohio as an example, the number of claims for inflammation and irritation of joints, tendons and muscles more than doubled from 1985 to 1990 – from 3513 to 7584 claims. As the average age of the workforce continues to climb, this trend will continue.
The number of lower back injuries resulting in lost time rose 30% from 1985 to 1990. In 1990, 19,181 such claims were filed in Ohio. The lower back is significantly relaxed by the use of ERGOMAT product.
ERGOMAT works to prevent cumulative trauma injuries. In 1990, the estimated average direct cost of such an injury was $12,801; the average cost of a lower back injury was $24,724.
To an individual company, the cost of worker injury is reflected in its worker’s compensation costs and in hidden costs for medical treatment, time lost to paperwork for supervisors and unearned benefits for workers on medical leave. Increased absenteeism and turnover are additional costly consequences of worker injury. Any savings here go directly to the bottom line.
Most people will agree that removing pain from the workplace makes good business sense since employees will perform more productively and with greater accuracy.
An investment in employee comfort offers a definite return because a comfortable worker no longer feels the need to take breaks or move around to relieve pain. Many ERGOMAT users report productivity gains in excess of five percent after installing our anti-fatigue matting.
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