In an industrial environment there may be multiple risk factors identified with floor level safety. Contaminants on floor surfaces are very often the culprit, such as water, ice, oil, grease or chemical spillage. However, dry debris can make floor surfaces dangerous too. Swarf and powders can act like marbles, and an uneven, poorly maintained floor surface could be extremely hazardous.

Globally, slips in the workplace are a serious concern, as they are one of the highest causes of injuries. All too frequently slips result in bone fractures or internal injuries and, in extreme cases, slips can result in fatalities.

Safety matting for every environment

When evaluating your workplace safety needs, consider the problems you are trying to solve, such as reducing slips from spillage, halting electrical current, fire retardant properties or reducing fatigue. COBA Africa stocks a wide range of mats that are precisely engineered to answer the needs of specific environments, combining innovation with practical solutions.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Another workplace risk to consider is the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or other soft tissues. In South Africa, research suggests that MSDs account for 40% of all chronic conditions and 54% of long-term disabilities. Risks associated with prolonged standing, especially on hard floor surfaces, include damaged joints, swelling of the legs, foot problems such as bunions or corns, Achilles Tendonitis and other orthopaedic conditions. Prolonged standing in static positions is known to cause blood to pool in the feet and may diminish elasticity in the soft tissues. This degenerative damage can lead to rheumatic diseases.

There are health hazards associated with prolonged sitting too. When we sit, our bodies do not process sugars and fats efficiently, affecting circulation. It is suggested that if you sit for more than 23 hours a week, you are 64% more likely to die from heart disease. Striking a healthy balance by taking regular breaks and altering your posture is important.

Anti-fatigue matting can help

When we stand our circulatory system is put under pressure, in particular the Venous System, which is responsible for moving blood throughout the body via our veins. Anti-fatigue matting can help by encouraging regular foot movement (even in static positions) as the feet subtly adapt to the mat’s cushioned surface, promoting healthier circulation. This movement, although subtle, forces the foot and calf muscles to expand and contract, which activates the Venous Pump, pushing blood back up to the heart against the force of gravity.

The results of a 2015 COBA market research campaign are positive: 75% of participants found anti-fatigue matting to have had a positive effect on the well-being of staff; 54% found anti-fatigue matting helped to reduce pain or serious health complaints of staff; and 44% considered anti-fatigue matting to have a positive effect on increasing productivity in their company. Some 23% confirmed that absenteeism had been reduced as a result of anti-fatigue matting.

For the retail merchandising environment, COBA Africa has introduced premium packaging options which offer educational opportunity, as well as product protection. This ensures the customer receives a high-quality item and provides safer, more convenient handling and storage.

Given the numerous factors that need to be considered when selecting a matting solution for optimal workplace safety, COBA Africa has created an app to make your decision easier. The Mats in Mind mobile app offers expert advice right at your fingertips. It features five easy steps, with simple questions, to walk you in the right direction. Mats in Mind can be downloaded on both iTunes and Google Play.

https://www.matting.co.za/workplace/mats-in-mind/