Ergonomic Floor Matting
Science of Standing
The Circulatory System
An expanding body of research exists which addresses standing work positions and the potential damage. The general conclusion of this research is that floor mats are an important element in injury prevention efforts.
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Blood flows from the heart through the arteries to the extremities. When you walk, it is pumped back through the veins by the interaction between muscles and veins. This mechanism is commonly referred to as the venous pump. When you stand, gravity will make fluids settle in feet and legs and because of the reduced muscle activity, the venous pump is less effective. This causes increased pressure on the walls of the veins, which leads to long-term damage and swelling which causes pain and discomfort.
How the Venous Pump Works
Figure 1 shows a muscle (in red) at rest next to a vein. Flapper valves in the vein allow blood to flow up from below but not down from above (illustrated by the arrows). In Figure 2, the muscle contracts and exerts pressure on the side of the vein. This causes blood to flow up through the valve above while the valve below remains closed ensuring proper circulation towards the heart (Figure 3).
Damaged Veins
Prolonged standing on a hard surface will lead to damaged veins. This damage occurs as pressure inside the veins builds up and expands the sides of the vein. As the years go by, the vein becomes permanently expanded and the flaps that make up the valves are no longer able to reach together.
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The ERGOMAT Advantage
ERGOMAT anti-fatigue mats were developed specifically to solve the problems of short-term fatigue and long-term injury associated with standing work positions. Our 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.
MATTING
* Ergomat supplies proven ergonomic & anti-fatigue matting.
* Ergomat matting acts like a shock absorber - taking the shock off your joints and lower extremities, and stimulating circulation to reduce fatigue
* 1 mat for 3 shifts purchased every 8 years
* Mats are proven to provide ergonomic benefits to employees.
* Wear on matting is highly visible and easy to repair
* Matting provides superior visual safety
CUSHIONED INSOLES
* Insoles are simply cushion with no proven ergonomic properties
* Memory foam insoles do not rebound when compressed, providing no shock absorption, leaving your joints and body to do all the work
* Multiple sizes necessary in stock per employee with 4 purchase cycles per year!
* With insoles, employers have no visual way to prove they are in use.
* Insoles make it nearly impossible for employers to gauge their condition & wear.
* Insoles create greater employee safety liabilities for the employer
Polyurethane
Nitril Rubber
Safe Mats
