In a formal study at the Center of Ergonomics, University of Michigan, Ergonomist Mark Redfern concluded that different floor surfaces can have dramatically different effects on physical fatigue.
The study involved 14 subjects at the Ford Chesterfield Trim Plant who were required to stand throughout their entire shift.
A variety of floor conditions were tested, from concrete to a 3/8 ' rubber anti-fatigue mat.
The results were conclusive.
Workers who were forced to stand on hard concrete floors for long periods suffered significant levels of fatigue and discomfort in the legs, back and throughout the body.
On the other hand workers who stood on anti-fatigue mats were able to reduce the level of fatigue and discomfort by as much as 50%.
Another study conducted by the Ergonomics Department at Loughborough University, resulted in virtually the same findings.
The results were conclusive.
In the first part of the study, the participants stood on a pressure plate for 2 hours.
The pressure plate analysed the standing patterns.
After 2 hours or more, standing on a hard floor surface produces an immobile standing pattern, leading to stiffness, poor circulation, and resulting discomfort or pain.
In the second part, the study measured the energy consumed by the muscles used to support the body in a standing position, particularly those in the legs and lower back.
The study concluded that energy used by the supporting muscles is conserved by almost 50% when the worker stands on an anti-fatigue mat versus standing on a hard floor.
The result - more energetic, more productive, healthier employees.
PROFILE OF COMPANY
At the commencement of business, 1 August 1996, MATS-R-US Ltd was established with the prime aim of bringing all the applications within the matting market, into the fields of Industry, Trade and Commerce.
Principal attention has since been directed particularly at all the aspects of safety and anti-fatigue in these sectors, and we have worked in conjunction with the likes of the Rehabilitation Centre, Occupational Health Therapists, A.C.C. and Occupational Safety and Health, to have the functions of matting recognised by them in every form, wherever safety is an issue.
During the growth of our company we have enjoyed the confidence and support of many customers who have been satisfied with our attentive service and assessment of their matting requirements.
Our current profile includes such Corporate Groups as Woolworths, New World, N.Z. Post, Waikato Hospital, Carter Holt Harvey (all divisions) Fletcher Wood Panels, Bank of New Zealand, Benjamin Moore, Dick Smith Electronics, Mastertrade, Pak n Save, Gilmours, Manukau Institute of Technology, Waikato Polytechnic, Placemakers, Mitre 10 and many more.
Our Company was also invested with the privilege of being the Official Licencees for the supply of Logo matting bearing the 'America' s Cup 2000' and 'Team New Zealand' brands on the mats, for this prestigious international Event. The business transacted with these clients has been across the full range of our products, and consequently leads to confidence in our ability to provide our specialised service and on-site assessments to any Company in New Zealand, searching for these assurances. Experience has unequivocally shown that in virtually every field, productivity plays an extremely important part in business, and studies conducted by Economic Departments at various American Universities, confirm this. Reports of two studies conducted by the Centre of Ergonomics, University of Michigan, and Economics Department at Loughborough University, are attached covering this aspect. Our mission therefore, in our specialised field of matting products has been to bring about a more conscious attitude of people in the workplace, to the features and applications of matting, in the areas of safety and anti-fatigue. Our philosophy is that by providing a safer, more comfortable working environment, lessens the possibility of accidents and mishaps, thereby reducing the threat of O.S.H. prosecution, or increased A.C.C. premiums, in those instances where negligence proves a factor. Our opinion is that, although matting is considered a low priority item by many Companies, it certainly covers the possibility of avoiding many high priority accidents and resultant fines. Our prime aim therefore is to assist many Companies with their implementation of their quality programmes and thereby increase their productivity, and decrease dollars spent on down time and Health Care. Our focus has been that quality, safety and ergonomics are so interdependently linked that one process cannot exist without the other. MATS-R-US Ltd remain convinced that successful quality programs require the support of all employees, and the best way to achieve results in this particular environment, is to ensure the maximum level of performance and co-operation through ergonomic and safety programs. Our emphasis is that healthier, happier employees are thereby more productive, efficient and safer personnel. Our specialised field and extensive range covers all areas of the following:-
Our Company was also invested with the privilege of being the Official Licencees for the supply of Logo matting bearing the 'America' s Cup 2000' and 'Team New Zealand' brands on the mats, for this prestigious international Event. The business transacted with these clients has been across the full range of our products, and consequently leads to confidence in our ability to provide our specialised service and on-site assessments to any Company in New Zealand, searching for these assurances. Experience has unequivocally shown that in virtually every field, productivity plays an extremely important part in business, and studies conducted by Economic Departments at various American Universities, confirm this. Reports of two studies conducted by the Centre of Ergonomics, University of Michigan, and Economics Department at Loughborough University, are attached covering this aspect. Our mission therefore, in our specialised field of matting products has been to bring about a more conscious attitude of people in the workplace, to the features and applications of matting, in the areas of safety and anti-fatigue. Our philosophy is that by providing a safer, more comfortable working environment, lessens the possibility of accidents and mishaps, thereby reducing the threat of O.S.H. prosecution, or increased A.C.C. premiums, in those instances where negligence proves a factor. Our opinion is that, although matting is considered a low priority item by many Companies, it certainly covers the possibility of avoiding many high priority accidents and resultant fines. Our prime aim therefore is to assist many Companies with their implementation of their quality programmes and thereby increase their productivity, and decrease dollars spent on down time and Health Care. Our focus has been that quality, safety and ergonomics are so interdependently linked that one process cannot exist without the other. MATS-R-US Ltd remain convinced that successful quality programs require the support of all employees, and the best way to achieve results in this particular environment, is to ensure the maximum level of performance and co-operation through ergonomic and safety programs. Our emphasis is that healthier, happier employees are thereby more productive, efficient and safer personnel. Our specialised field and extensive range covers all areas of the following:-
- SAFETY / NON SLIP
- ANTI - FATIGUE
- WORKSHOPS
- KITCHENS
- ENTRANCES
- OFFICES (CHAIRMATS & CARPET RUNNERS)
- PROMOTIONAL AND LOGO
- ANTI-SLIP TRACTION TAPE
- RAMPS & DECKS
- POOLS & CHANGING SHEDS
- PLAYGROUNDS & CRICKET RUN-UPS
REPORTS OF STUDIES BY UNIVERSITIES