Anti-fatigue mats are designed to reduce fatigue that is caused by standing for long periods on hard surface (e.g.,. cement floors).

Anti-fatigue mats are often used to decrease foot weariness for workers who stand in one position for long periods. However, providing a mat may not solve the entire problem. Discomfort, tiredness, and sore feet after long hours of standing are the combined effect of several factors, namely the design of the work, the workers’ footwear, and the flooring material. According to scientific data, standing for long periods of time is particularly stressful and fatiguing. Regardless of the quality of shoes and quality of the floor covering, standing itself can cause tiredness after an entire working day.

When considering the use of anti-fatigue mats, there are other factors that should be considered at the same time, such as allowing changes in working/standing position, footwear, and flooring.

• Changes in working/standing position: Work should be organized so that the worker has some choice about his/her working position and an opportunity to change position frequently. A workplace that includes an optional seat (chair, sit/stand stool) and some kind of footrest increases the variety of body positions and encourages frequent changes between them.
• Footwear: Footwear is a factor which, if properly chosen, may further reduce the harmful effects of prolonged standing. There is no doubt that the choice of footwear is an important consideration for people who work on their feet. Shoes should ensure adequate arch and heel support and cushioning while providing comfort to the wearer.
• Flooring: The type of flooring used in the workplace has an equally important influence on comfort, especially on tender feet. Hard, unyielding floors, like concrete, are the least comfortable surface to work on. Walking on a hard floor is similar to the impact of a hammer pounding the heel at every step. Wood, cork, carpeting, or rubber – anything that provides some elasticity – is gentler on workers’ feet. More than that, softer floor coverings reduce fatigue and improve safety by reducing slips and falls on slippery floors.

There are two options to alleviate foot discomfort where resilient floors are not practical. One is footwear with thick insulating soles and shock-absorbing insoles.

Anti-fatigue matting is the other option. Anti-fatigue mats absorb the shock due to walking and this cushioning effect reduces foot fatigue. However, the use of matting requires caution because mats can lead to tripping and falling accidents when installed improperly.

In summary, the use of anti-fatigue mats does not eliminate sore feet by itself, but, when combined with proper work design and quality footwear, it should improve working conditions.

Ergo-Motion supplies and installs anti-fatigue mats that can be custom manufactured to fit your space, have beveled edges to reduce tripping hazards, and are industry specific.    We have anti-static, fire retardant, chemical resistant, food safe, anti-slip, auto-clavable, and cold insulated anti-fatigue matting, and we will work with you to find a solution to meet your needs.

For more information, please contact Ergo-Motion.

Kinesiologists are human movement specialists offering a wide variety of assessments and services to the public to assist with both injury/illness prevention and management. Their practice is based on the core sciences of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychomotor behaviour through completion of a four year honours bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology (or equivalent).

Kinesiologists apply the discipline to many fields. They are recognized for their roles and expertise in the areas of Health and Safety, Ergonomics, Assessment, physical and vocational rehabilitation, and fitness to name a few.

The Canadian Kinesiology Alliance/ Alliance canadienne de kinésiologie is comprised of the provincial Kinesiology associations across Canada and thereby represents 2500 Certified, Registered and Professional Kinesiologists.

Kinesiologists certified, registered or given professional status by their provincial Kinesiology association must fulfill core competency requirements, maintain continuing education credits, and have errors and omissions insurance.

For further information and links to the provincial Kinesiology association in your area, please visit the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance Website at www.cka.ca or call (905) 567- 9200.

Our services range from providing recommendations for an office chair to a comprehensive job analysis such as the redesign of a production line.

Phone: 1-877-841-3508
Fax: 1-866-923-5619
Email: vancouver@ergo-motion.com

Ergonomic assessment is a scientific and practical analysis to find out how to improve working environment conducive and fit for people to work.  Most people have been relegated to their work stations without much of physical activity in the advent of technological progress.

To improve work productivity as well as prevent disorders resulting from poorly designed workstation, a comprehensive ergonomic assessment is helpful both to the employer and the employee.

If you are experiencing discomfort while working on your computer, you may benefit from an office ergonomic assessment.  Ergo-Motion is pleased to offer office ergonomic assessments in Hamilton, Ontario.

We are committed to offering comprehensive services throughout Ontario, and will happily work with you to arrange for service to your location.

Phone: 1-877-841-3508
Fax: 1-866-923-5619
Email: ontario@ergo-motion.com

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• Certified EcoLogo, the multi-attribute environmental labelling mark of Environment Canada.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions with the use of renewable biogas energy.
• Reuses deinking waste in the manufacturing process, which would otherwise have ended in a landfill.
• Made of a recycled pulp that reduces by 15% the manufacturing residues.

Ergo-Motion provides office and industrial ergonomic services throughout Quebec, via our national network of ergonomic consultants, with consultants located in Montreal, Hull, & Quebec City. We offer expertise to clients in every industry sector, and clients include pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing, high tech companies and government.

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