Have you ever filed a workman's comp claim due to slips & falls? When was the last time someone reviewed matting throughout your facility to make proper adjustments?
All these checks and balances are key to maximizing operational efficiency. While OSHA currently has no general industry standard requiring the use of matting, OSHA does refer to the value of these mats in their guidelines and notes they "should be provided where practical" (OSHA 1910.22 (a)(2). Safety mats are here to help.
While mats are often overlooked and walked all over, floor mats are the unsung heroes in facilities everywhere and range from kitchen mats to gym mats, to carpet squares, and everything in-between. Typically used to protect the floor, mats are far more beneficial than many realize, especially in enhancing operational efficiencies. One of the many keys to improving efficiencies includes creating safe and healthy work environments for employees—one way to accomplish that is by using floor mats.
BRINGING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY TO THE FLOOR
Mats are imperative industrial flooring options for implementing operational efficiency. Organizations that ensure their facilities are safe can help prevent accidents and injuries, unnecessary absences, and boost morale. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking to provide an efficient workplace for your employees:
Safety Mats:
Safety mats can provide surfaces that aid in the prevention of slips, trips, and falls. This can improve efficiency by preventing injuries, reducing workers' comp claims, lost workdays, and insurance claims.
Comfort:
Mats create a barrier between a hard, uncomfortable facility floor and an employee's feet. Standing for extended periods on the wrong surface can have damaging effects. Having comfortable tools, such as floor mats, will ensure that employees can operate at 100% with less pain and be productive for long periods.
Cleanliness:
The right type of mat can help reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and debris tracked throughout a facility. This can improve efficiency by reducing the time and resources needed to clean and maintain a workspace.
Improved Appearance:
A clean and organized facility gives the employees a sense of pride and accountability. Are you meeting clients in your facility, or do you operate out of an adjacent office? Vinyl plank flooring known as LVP flooring will dramatically improve appearances quickly while creating a comfortable place to do business for yourself and your clients. Does your business operate a fleet of vehicles? Car mats keep your business looking sharp even when you’re on the road.
Easy maintenance:
Your janitorial staff will thank you when their maintenance time is cut down because you have an easily maintained facility. Less time maintaining means more time for productivity and improvements that can further an employee's pride in an organization.
More for the Floor
Understandably when you think of floor mats, you think about mats for wiping your feet when entering a facility. Still, the differences amongst varieties of floor mats are much more nuanced. Even within types of floor mats, additional considerations should be made so your employees remain safe and comfortable throughout their careers. Floor mats that are usually found throughout a facility are:
Anti-Fatigue Mats
When employees at a facility must stand for an extended period, this can cause fatigue in the extremities. These mats are designed to reduce that fatigue and, in turn, reduce insurance claims and time off. Anti-fatigue mats are made of materials such as PVC, rubber, and polyurethane. To find the right anti-fatigue mats for you, considerations whether the mat will be exposed to a wet environment. Is it in an area sensitive to dirt, dust, and other bacteria, like a clean room? Will machinery be used near the mat that could cause fires or static electricity? How will you clean your mat? These mats can be used in laboratories, workspaces, retail, and schools.
Entrance Mats
Designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, these mats are typically placed at the entrance of a building to help trap dirt, mud, and water from shoes. There are entrance mats that can be used indoors and outdoors. Entrance mats can be made of rubber, nylon, PET, or polypropylene.
Drainage Mats
Drainage Matsare used in areas with a risk of slipping on wet surfaces, such as restaurant kitchens, bars, and commercial kitchens. They allow water to drain through the surface, reducing the risk of standing water. They can have a non-slip surface at the top and are made of waterproof material.
Chair Mats
Chair mats help with comfort, gliding, and preventing floor damage when using your chair. Depending on the pile weight and material, different chair mats will be used for other surfaces, such as carpeting or hard floors. The most popular chair mat is rectangular and typically made of vinyl, glass, or poly.
Anti-Static Mats
It is important to remember that ESD mats and non-conductive mats are different and have different functions, so it is imperative to choose the correct type for your circumstances. Non-conductive mats help protect workers from possible deadly electric shocks when working with equipment. The worker is protected by the mat, which will remove any static from the individual before working on any equipment.
Heated Floor Mats
Heated floor mats are ideal for outdoor entryways, loading docks, garage flooring, handicap ramps, and more during the winter season. These mats provide uniform radiant heat and cushioning from cold hard floors and exterior walkways. They are typically fully waterproof and made of heavy-duty, non-slip, UV-protected rubber.
Kneeling Mats
Designed to provide cushioning and support for the knees, kneeling mats make activities more comfortable and reduce strain on the knees. These mats can be made of various materials, such as foam, rubber, or gel, and are typically lightweight and portable. If you’re trying to cushion a larger floor area, you may need something bigger than a floor mat. Rubber flooring and rubber gym flooring can fit a variety of situations—large and small.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Are you improving the safety of your workers and facility while keeping up with industry standards?
- What do your employees need? Engage your workers to find out where they could use an assist to lessen the workday load.
- Where are your highly trafficked areas? These are the first places to add or update your mats. Plus, consider backup mats you can store. Highly trafficked areas have often been found guilty of causing wear and tear.
Your Partner in Safety, Floor Care, and More
Floor mats can help to improve operational efficiency by creating a safer, more comfortable, and more organized workplace, which can increase productivity and reduce costs. However, the most effective flooring solution will depend on your business or organization's specific needs and requirements. As a dedicated part and solutions expert, Global Industrial can review your facilities for gaps in safety procedures, including floor safety. Learn more about how we can help your business achieve operational efficiency by connecting with one of our Global Industrial sales representatives at 888.978.7759 or contacting us here.
The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional. Under no circumstances will Global Industrial® be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.