Workplace athletes will often request the softest anti-fatigue mats available. Is that a workplace ergonomics best practice or a mistake?
There are many so-called ergonomic or anti-fatigue mats that appear to have as their primary feature a claim of being the “softest” or “plushest” in the market.
These mats fall well outside the ergonomic design guidelines for reducing fatigue, and in fact will increase fatigue and the likelihood of injury due to surface instability that causes excessive body sway or lower extremity shifting over time.
Anti-fatigue mats – Is softer better?
Research shows that a standing surface that is too soft will increase lower extremity fatigue. A bed mattress is very soft to stand on, but would you want to stand on one all day?
Softer is not better when it comes to reducing fatigue and injury. Some workers think that if one mat is good, then 2-4 mats would work even better! This is NOT the case. An extreme level of instability, caused by using multiple or overly soft mats, increases the risk of loss-of-balance in addition to having a horrible affect on overall body posture.
Too much instability can increase subtle muscular activity as the body works to retain balance, accelerating fatigue levels. Fatigue-induced deterioration in postural stability and balance may lead to an increased risk of slips, falls and workplace accidents when workers are tired or experiencing discomfort.
Additionally, too much instability can cause or worsen musculoskeletal conditions in the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet, and make painful conditions like plantar fasciitis even more debilitating. The last thing you want to do is introduce additional risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders into your workplace.
Thicker and softer matting material can also create a greater trip hazard and wears out more quickly.
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