Stand up for safety
October 1st 2004

Rachel Lambert of COBA Plastics looks at how slip-resistant matting can significantly improve safety underfoot

Feet can be ugly things, but that doesn’t mean that we should take them for granted! After all, most animals have four. We humans have to cope with just the two – and those two feet have to carry our weight on a daily basis. In fact, when it comes to standing, our feet are just the start of it… All employers should be aware of their obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Safety underfoot is essential. Floor surfaces should not present trip hazards and should be free from liquid spillage or debris to prevent sliprelated accidents.

In fact, slips and trips are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries in the UK manufacturing and service industries, accounting for a third of all major injuries (Source: HSE). It is not just wet or oily environments that cause slipping. Dry dust or debris can be equally as dangerous. Slips don’t just lead to broken bones – they can sometimes prove fatal. Slip-resistant matting can significantly help to reduce the risk and certain mats have been tested for slip-resistance.

Floors should also be comfortable for employees to stand on. Suitable footwear is the obvious starting point.

Standing for prolonged periods of the day is for many a regular demand of their occupation. Take a packing station or assembly line for example. Both of these types of jobs may require lengthy periods of standing, and sometimes turning, in basically static positions.

Prolonged standing

The longer a person stands, the more discomfort that person will feel. Feet start to hurt, limbs start to ache, pain can occur in the back and neck. This physical fatigue is very often a direct result of prolonged standing on a hard floor surface or poor posture.

It’s easy to dismiss this pain as a shortlived condition. The reality is that this can sometimes lead to distressing musculoskeletal disorders, injury and chronic pain. Back injury and irreversible conditions such as varicose veins are common conditions that afflict many people who have to stand for regular lengthy periods.

Anti-fatigue matting is one simple measure that can effectively help to reduce the severity of pain from standing. More and more businesses are identifying the risks to their employees of prolonged standing on hard surfaces. Those that have installed anti-fatigue matting very often notice the benefits immediately.

A more comfortable standing surface is not only safer, but can increase productivity levels too. When tiredness sets in, concentration lapses and the probability of an accident in the workplace becomes greater. Anti-fatigue matting can delay the onset of fatigue and can help to prevent serious, even fatal, accidents in the workplace.

Prolonged standing in static positions, in very simple terms, reduces the blood flow and inhibits circulation. This causes pain and discomfort. Anti-fatigue matting, of which there is an extensive choice available, promotes regular foot movement as users adapt their feet to the cushion surface. This helps to prevent fatigue and also insulates feet from cold concrete floors.

Coba Plastics is an established name in the manufacture and supply of industrial and commercial matting. Coba offers Orthomat, a range of anti-fatigue mats, and is also the manufacturer of the wellestablished Cobamat product. The company also supplies a wide choice of mats developed to reduce slipping in wet, oily or greasy conditions, many of which have been tested for slip-resistance.

‘We now offer 70 mats in our range for virtually any industrial environment,’ explains Coba’s sales manager, Chris Stanley. ‘Selecting the right type of matting is essential if it is to really benefit the user.

Slip-resistant and anti-fatigue mats are available, or some that perform both tasks.

Coba is more than happy to advise customers on their selection. For example, solid top mats are better suited to dry environments, whereas open holed mats are more beneficial in wet or oily locations.

There are many factors to take into consideration.’ One of Coba’s most popular anti-fatigue mats is Fatigue Fighter II. Its dual layered construction provides high levels of comfort and superior resistance to wear and tear. It is a familiar sight in many factory and warehouse environments.

Recent installations include the new state-of-the-art Argos distribution centre in Barton-under-Needwood. Argos has installed Fatigue Fighter II matting at its ODS Pick Stations where employees stand for prolonged periods.

Performance and benefits

Adrian Tedeschi, team leader – ODS Picking at Argos Barton is pleased with the performance and benefits that the matting is providing. ‘The matting is very comfortable and the surface provides a sure footing. We immediately noticed the difference after standing at the workstations.’ So, what is your floor doing for you? A simple anti-fatigue or slip-resistant mat could be the answer to your problems – and help to prevent a serious accident.

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