WAREHOUSING HANDLING & STORAGE P
rolonged periods of standing whilst at work have long been associated with potentially serious health concerns, including lower back and leg pain, in addition to more severe conditions. Here, Lee Fox, Director of Global Business Development and Key Accounts for Kleen-Tex, discusses how business owners can improve the safety and wellbeing of employees, whilst simultaneously increasing productivity levels, via the installation of dedicated floor matting systems.
From 2020 to 2021, the Health and Safety Executive found 39% of all reported work-related musculoskeletal issues were back problems, while a 45% were attributed to upper limb, including neck pain. The main causes were attributed to manual handling, repetitive work and long hours in tiring or awkward positions. Whilst industrial environments are often busy and physically demanding, organisations can successfully mitigate potential health problems associated with long periods of standing, without disrupting the overall efficiency of operations, by undertaking a proactive approach to health and safety.
This includes reducing the level of stress placed on individuals’ backs by installing dedicated matting systems that improve employee comfort. Research by the University of Michigan evidenced the use of anti-fatigue floor mats throughout an eight-hour standing shift reduced tiredness, as well as absenteeism, by one-third, whilst also increasing standing comfort by 50%, when compared to a hard floor. This not only proves that anti-fatigue floor matting systems safeguard against potential health concerns associated with long periods of standing, but also ensures productivity levels are successfully maintained by providing the highest possible comfort levels.
FOCUSING ON FATIGUE 100% nitrile-backed rubber mats are a popular option for manufacturing and warehouse environments, as the durable construction not only provides the highest standards of ergonomics, but also delivers first-class durability and longevity, without staining or marking the floor. This includes eliminating potential damage to the floor from dropped tools or equipment, by successfully absorbing shock. Increased comfort levels can also be achieved throughout the winter period as the floor matting provides a direct barrier between the cold concrete flooring and employees’ feet, in addition to minimising the transmission of sounds and vibrations. The versatility of nitrile constructions also facilitates the installation of the matting systems throughout a wide range of applications, including wet areas and chemical production, in addition to indoor and outdoor factory workshops.
The multi-purpose Kleen-Kushion anti-fatigue floor
ADOPTING A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ERGONOMICS AND SAFETY
mat range features an engineered cushioned top profile with active comfort zones that cushion the feet whilst on the mat. This is combined with a castellated pattern that creates enhanced grip to ensure the individual’s footing is consistently secure, whilst the slip-resistant nitrile backing consistently keeps the mat in the same place.
GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY Whilst ergonomics will be the leading consideration when specifying and installing anti-fatigue mats, ensuring additional levels of safety by successfully mitigating against trips and falls is just as important. Of all non-fatal accidents reported to the Health and Safety Executive from 2020 to 2021, 33% were slips and trips. By installing nitrile anti-fatigue mats throughout their
18 OCTOBER 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
facility, business owners can successfully improve the wellbeing of their employees, whilst simultaneously minimising the potential for slips and falls by ensuring the highest standards of safety and cleanliness. Rubber-backed floor matting is resistant to oils, chemicals and skids and will lie flat under all conditions, even within the most demanding factory and warehouse environments. The high capacity for dirt and moisture capture also enables the mat to successfully minimise the level of liquid and tracked throughout the premises. The Kleen-Thru Plus floor matting system features ribbed drainage holes and anti-bacterial properties that ensures its resistance to oil and chemicals, whilst the rubber construction supports ease of maintenance as the material can be easily jet washed or hosed, when required.
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