What should be considered first when a person stands all day at work?
When considering the use of anti-fatigue mats, other factors should be considered at the same time, such as allowing changes in working/standing position, footwear, and flooring.
- Changes in working/standing position: Work should be organized so that the worker has some choice about his/her working position and an opportunity to change position frequently. A workplace that includes an optional seat (chair, sit/stand stool) and some kind of footrest increases the variety of body positions and encourages frequent changes between them.
- Footwear: Footwear is a factor that, if properly chosen, may further reduce the harmful effects of prolonged standing. There is no doubt that the choice of footwear is an important consideration for people who work on their feet. Shoes should ensure adequate arch and heel support and cushioning while providing comfort to the wearer.
- Flooring: The type of flooring used in the workplace has an equally important influence on comfort, especially on tender feet. Hard, unyielding floors, like concrete, are the least comfortable surface to work on. Walking on a hard floor is similar to the impact of a hammer pounding the heel at every step. Wood, cork, carpeting, or rubber – anything that provides some elasticity – is generally gentler on workers’ feet. More than that, softer floor coverings reduce fatigue and improve safety by reducing slips and falls on slippery floors.
