MRO Today - Don't stand for pain

Don't stand for pain
Anti-fatigue matting plays an important
role in practical ergonomics

by Lisa O'Dell

We've all felt it -- foot, leg and back pain resulting from long days of standing and working. It's one of the most common causes of physical fatigue in the workplace. In fact, apart from headaches, low back pain is the largest cause of plant-related pain and physician contact in the United States.

Anti-fatigue matting may very well be the simplest and most effective way to reduce standing worker fatigue. Here's why it works:

Constricted muscles and reduced blood flow triggers physical fatigue. Because constricted areas force the heart to work harder to pump blood, the body runs out of energy. The result is pain, discomfort and fatigue. Anti-fatigue mats encourage subtle movement of leg and calf muscles. This promotes an easier flow of blood back to the heart.

A formal study at the University of Michigan's Center of Ergonomics concluded that different standing surfaces have dramatic effects on physical fatigue. The study involved 14 subjects at Ford Motor Company's Chesterfield trim plant.

According to the study, workers forced to stand on concrete floors for long periods of time suffered significant levels of body fatigue and discomfort, especially in their legs and back. Workers standing on anti-fatigue mats experienced up to a 50 percent reduction in fatigue and discomfort.

Lower the pain, lower the costs
How can anti-fatigue matting save your company money?

Aches and pains from long-term standing are categorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as Cumulative Standing Trauma (CST).

CST cases are often overlooked, but cost U.S industry billions of dollars each year in reduced or lost production, increased worker compensation costs, higher insurance rates and employee absenteeism.

Since back injuries account for more than 30 percent of compensable worker claims, it's important to not aggravate an existing problem or cause a new one through Cumulative Standing Trauma.

CST may also lead to:
-- Pronation, an extensive flattening of the foot that results in arch
and heel pain.
-- Varicose veins, a condition caused by blood stagnation.

Such problems ultimately lead to long-term, costly health issues. Anti-fatigue mats are designed to reduce the aggravation and injury associated with CST, thereby reducing costs.

The right mat for the job
Choosing the right anti-fatigue mat for the application goes a long way toward easing the situation and creating a more productive, quality-driven environment.

For wet or greasy areas, use a drainage mat or one with a gritted surface. In a dry plant running three shifts per day, use matting with a very resilient sponge base and abrasion-resistant surface.

There are many products on the market, so ask your distributor representative for advice or search manufacturers' Web sites for info.

Placing employee comfort and protection as priorities ensures healthier, happier and more productive employees.

Lisa O'Dell is the vice president of marketing for Tennessee Mat Company, a manufacturer of anti-fatigue mats.

This article appeared in the August/September 2000 issue of MRO Today magazine. Copyright, 2000.