FEAT RE FEA ATURE
HEALT EAL
TANDING UP IN SUPP ORT O F EMPLOY
STA STANDI G UP I mployees are the backbone of ,
industry; their contribution is crucial, whether they are operating machinery and equipment assembling goods on a production line or packing goods. As a result, their health and wellbeing is of utmost importance, not just in
maintaining productive and efficient operations, but also in the longevity of their service. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure working
environments are suitable for employees and implement sufficient practices to allow tasks to be carried out safely with minimal risk posed to w orkers . In themajority ofmanufacturing
facilities, it is commonplace for workers to be standing for prolonged periods. While thismay be accepted as a basic
characteristic of the role, these employees are, as a result, at risk of developing a variety of health issues including sore feet, swelling of the legs,muscle fatigue and lower back pain. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as these – which are often a result of static loading, which can affectmuscles tendo ns ligaments, nerv
,
rves and soft tissue – a movement of the human
,
body and can ffect the
severely inhibit employees’ ability to carry out their work effectively.
As well as causing avoidable suffering for workers – which can severely impact workers’ personal lives – these conditions can end up being very costly for employers. Aside from
often made as a result o f compensation claims, wh
the thousands of work-related
ich are SUPPORT OF
EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLBEING By M rk Chandler, product m nager at Buck &
and subsequently puts more pressure on
By Mark Chandler, product manager at Buck & Hickm E
BENEAT BENEA ATH THE SOL HE SOLE
While straightforwardmeasures such as the provision of more appropriate
footwear have long been implemented to reduce the fatigue associated with
standing for an entire shift, more can still be done tomake workers comfortable. One solution – anti-fatigue matting – can improve the working environment for employees andminimise the negative effects of MSDs on productivity.
By encouraging feet to subtly adapt to the cushioned surface, anti-fatigue mats lead to regular muscle movement for workers – even for those who remain in static positions for sustained periods of time. Our circulatory systemkeeps blood moving throughout the body, but by standing on hard floor surfaces for the duration of work shifts, people are at a greater risk of developing numerous health issues associated with circulatory problems. One condition which workers in such conditions are particularly prone to is varicose veins. This is because standing or remaining stationary for extended periods forces the heart to work harder
ckman the walls of veins. Similarly, constant muscle tension can lead to swelling and
MSDs reported each year in the UK, it is estimated that 11.6 million workdays are lost each year, directly impacting on productivity and output.
increase the pressure on nearby nerves. But with a few changes to workers’ immediate environments, which help them to keep their muscles moving throughout the day, the occurrence of these conditions can be minimised. That is where anti-fatigue matting comes in. By helping to replicate the action, which naturally occurs when we walk, anti-fatigue mats can support workers in avoiding the damage that may otherwise be caused to their muscles. While these slight movements may seem insignificant, they make a big difference over the course of a work shift by
encouraging the foo t and calf muscles t o expand and contract, promoting healthier blood circulation .
CHOOS NG THE RIGH MATT CHOOSINGI HE RIGHT MATTING AT ING
While installing anti-fatigue matting can help to reduce the risk of inj
njury among
the workforce and aid productivity by improving comfort, it is crucial to choose the correct matting for each
environment. This is because, while the level of protection against fatigue may remain consistent across various matting options, other factors can also be accommodated for. For instance, if
conditions in a particular plant are wet or oily, matting may be able to provide greater levels of protection besides those associated with fatigue.
By incorporating textured surface
designs, matting can help to reduce the risk of slipping while simultaneously
standing for long pe reducing the fatigue
, which stems from riods of time. Or i n
Below: An example of the health and safety flooring products from Buck & Hickman
uck & Hickman y flooring ple of the
facilities where workers are needed to turn regularly to fulfil their tasks, it is critical to consider the types of material being used and opt for a long-lasting durable solution. Mats finished with a tough exterior surface – such as PVC or polyurethane – tend to be more resilient and can handle the pressures of more demanding environments while providing suitable protection for employees. Working with an experienced
distributor such as Buck & Hickman an d taking into consideration the nature of employees’ roles, employers can ensure that they are providing suitable working environments, which minimise the health risks posed to their workforce.
www.buckandhickman.com ww.buckandhickm
n.com 8 OC OCTOBE BER 201 2017 | FAC ACTORY EQ EQUIPMEN PMENT / FACTORY FACTORYEQUIPMENT RYEQUIPMENT OYEE HE ALTH AN DW LL BEIN G
LTH & SAFET Y
SAFETY
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