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 1) How does an ergonomic mat work?

Ergonomic mats like the ergomat are designed to stimulate circulation in feet, legs and lower back. Circulation is stimulated by the unique, patented surface profiles of the ergomat, which force muscular response. True ergonomic mats like the ergomat are carefully engineered to provide the optimal balance between compression and resistance, which is critical to achieving the appropriate muscle stimulation. The best way to understand what an ergonomic mat is designed to do is to compare it to the suspension of a car. Like the suspension, it absorbs and disperses shock, while providing the necessary support for stability.

2) Why is ergonomic matting important?

Like all ergonomic tools, ergonomic matting is designed to work with the human body to ease the tasks that the body performs. In the case of a standing worker, these mats are of critical importance in reducing or eliminating short-term fatigue and discomfort, and the more long-term negative cumulative effects of strain and stress injury. As a practical consideration, these benefits lead to real savings through increased productivity and worker moral, and decreases in sick leave, workers compensation claims and substandard production due to operator inattention caused by fatigue.

3) Why does ergomat offer so many choices?

The various mats in the ergomat family of ergonomic matting are designed to provide optimal solutions for specific industries and working conditions. Rather than selling mats, we prefer to provide real, comprehensive solutions to industry specific workplace environments.

4) What is the difference between polyurethane and rubber mats?

From an ergonomic standpoint, all ergomat with distinct surface profiles provide the necessary, appropriate stimulation. From a user comfort standpoint, preferred profiles are a matter of personal choice. In general our polyurethane mats provide appropriate solutions for dry, non-abrasive to slightly damp or oily environments. Polyurethane mats also have anti-static properties.

Nitril rubber mats have greater heat resistance, anti-abrasion and anti-slip properties for more demanding industrial conditions. In addition, because they are closed-cell, ergomat rubber mats will not harbor bacteria, making them ideal for critical environments like medical and food processing facilities. Nitril rubber mats are more resistant to acidic conditions, (pH < 7) and EPDM rubber performs better in caustic, or basic environments (pH > 7). The ergomat Nitril also comes in an ESD version for static sensitive manufacturing environments.

For the most appropriate mat for your specific working environment or industry, please consult information contained elsewhere on this website, or in ergomat literature.

5) Can ergomat create a tripping hazard?

Unlike many other mats, which are extruded in long runners with a variety of sandwiched materials, our premium ergomat are molded mats consisting of the highest quality virgin materials. This gives ergomat the unique ability to customize our matting, and fit it to the exact dimensions of any working environment in any size or shape. The ability to customize in this way allows us to bevel every exposed edge of a mat, virtually eliminating any tripping hazards. In addition, the use of high quality, consistent virgin materials keeps the ergomat from expanding or shrinking, which causes curling and creates tripping hazards in other matting.

6) How do I clean ergomat matting?

All ergomat can be swept, vacuumed or mopped. The nitril and EPDM rubber mats can also be hosed, power washed or steam cleaned. These rubber mats are also autoclavable in 2’x3’ foot sizes, as long as they are cooled and dried flat.
 

ergomat Application & Maintenance

 

ergomat Specification Guide

Man was created to move. A muscle only works optimally when it is alternately contracted and relaxed. Standing still in an upright position means all your body weight is putting pressure on all the major muscles in your spine, lower back, legs and feet, which become strained – unlike when you walk or sit down. Working when standing still often subjects your body and its motor apparatus to stresses above the level any normal physiological adjustment can compensate for, e.g. soreness, tightness and stiffness in muscles and joints as well as reduced blood flow and poorer oxygen supply. The short-term consequences of standing on a hard surface, e.g. a concrete floor, can be changes in your movement pattern, inappropriate movements, oedemas forming in the veins, muscle pain and failing concentration. In the longer term, working standing up can mean an increased risk of impaired and damaged muscle function, reduced elasticity in the spinal column, varicose veins and chronically impaired blood supply to the legs, often resulting in an inability to work. All of these factors can lead to days off sick and a loss in income for both employees and the company. Sick leave due to pain or disease in the motor apparatus is the one issue currently costing business and society the most money. Discomfort, inconvenience and stress injuries can be prevented – and this has been documented! The use of a soft, flexible standing surface – like ergomat anti-fatigue mats – has been proven to have a positive effect both on the working environment and on employee performance. An effect which has also been documented in studies and measurements of muscle and joint pain in people – carried out by, among others, the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction at Aalborg University and in several equivalent foreign scientific studies. Flexible working positions are the way forward. In a properly fitted out workplace, employees have the opportunity to choose between different ergonomically correct working positions. Greater flexibility and varying postures offer many benefits. More muscles are activated and there is less strain on the muscles and joints which are used to maintain a standing working position. Assess the possibilities of fitting out the workplace with a combination of standing and sitting work functions by e.g. including ergonomic work chairs as a supplement to anti-fatigue mats. Alternating between standing and sitting is less tiring for the body over the course of a working day.


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