When choosing matting for industrial facilities, ask this fundamental question, “How effective is the matting under consideration?” In other words, what are the manufacturer’s claims with respect to:
• Reduction of fatigue;
• Productivity increases;
• Reductions in sick leave; and
• Contribution to profitability.

Perhaps, more importantly, how well do the mats match up to these claims? The only way to truly put a variety of matting options through their paces is to have the workers that will use the mats test them in the environment that they will be used in.

A short, four to six week test may not be enough to develop benchmark empirical data concerning the economic impact of a particular matting choice (sustained productivity increases, sick leave reductions, etc.) but it is certainly adequate to identify user preference(s) and reasonably extrapolate trends in this regard.

Another important factor affecting the overall effectiveness of a matting selection concerns the flexibility of the mat in being tailored to the exact footprint of a workstation. Matting that can be readily configured to match the range of a worker in performing the typical tasks performed within the work cell or workstation increases both the effectiveness of the mat and its safe implementation.

Some activities are very localized, requiring no more than a 2-foot by 3-foot or a 3-foot by 4-foot mat to fully encompass the logical work area required by the task. Functions at other stations may require a 10-foot or greater continuous linear range, or an irregular traffic pattern to fully accommodate an individual’s working range.

Analysis of these patterns is important for several reasons. First, the efficacy of any ergonomic matting is enhanced when a worker can remain fully in contact with the matting throughout therange of mobility required by the job function. Another important factor in this assessment is the consideration of
entrance points to the matting surface.

In order to maximize safety by minimizing tripping hazards, it is important for matting to be beveled at all such points.

The analysis outlined above should be conducted prior to the specification or purchasing of any commercial matting. In many specialized working conditions, additional evaluations are necessary to
be certain that matting choices meet specific environmental requirements.

Automotive Plants
In any single facility, there could be a broad range of working environments that necessitate a variety of matting selections.

For example, in an automotive manufacturing facility, matting in welding areas must stand up to the flash heat of welding sparks. In fluid fill areas, matting must resist the detrimental effects
of spilled coolant, oils, and other lubricants, as well as transmission fluid and gasoline. It should also provide a drainage capability for safety in the event of larger spills.

Areas where interior work is done might require anti-static or ESD matting to eliminate the possibility of accidental airbag deployment. Since many assembly lines do not follow a linear path, the safest, most effective and appropriate mat under these circumstances would be one that mirrors
the serpentine pattern of the line.
 

Metal Fabrication
Metal cutting and fabrication operations present a particularly difficult combination of matting challenges. The abrasive nature of metal shavings combined with the slip hazard presented by cutting oils require a matting solution that stands up to abrasive abuse while at the same time providing a worker with sure-footed traction on a surface that will not absorb oils, become oil saturated, and swell or deteriorate with constant exposure to these fluids.

Again, controlled testing of matting in the exact working environment is the only way to know for certain how a specific mat will perform in a specific situation.

Food Processing and Other Critical Environments
Food processing and other critical environments add yet another variable to the matting decision matrix. In addition to the requirement that this matting be non-porous and non-slip, matting used in these environments must also stand up to a variety of cleaning or sterilization methods, including cleaning with caustics, pressure washing and even autoclaving when necessary. If there are concerns about cross-contamination, matting solutions must be offered in a variety of colors to readily identify the particular area(s) to which matting should be returned after it has been removed for cleaning.

Other critical environments like medical equipment and pharmaceutical manufacturing might also have the added consideration of requiring cleanroom certified matting in the appropriate class.

To be sure, there are a number of working conditions like warehousing, distribution and light assembly that require nothing more than an effective, durable readily customized ergonomic mat to provide a standing worker with the necessary stimulation to provide both desirable health and safety benefits, and a corresponding productivity boost.

The questions and suggestions above address only a few of the concerns that might be reasonable before selecting the appropriate matting for any particular facility.

Again, the only way to reasonably match matting to the function and environment is to test the mat(s) in the actual working environment, by exposing them to the various substances with which they will likely be in contact. Combine exposures to evaluate any unforeseen synergistic effects of these events.

Conduct
tests in the most extreme anticipated conditions to understand the impact of environments and events on overall health and safety concerns.

In summary, individual processes within specific facilities may require ergonomic matting with very different performance characteristics. Matting that is appropriately tailored to the layout and
environmental requirements of an industrial facility should provide solutions, not create problems.

The matting selection process should be characterized by the careful evaluation of available options, coupled with demanding expectations of longevity and effectiveness.

Consider all the advantages and disadvantages of various options, and incorporate the participatory evaluations of standing workers.

The right matting choice contributes to the bottom line – in increased productivity, as well as reduced sick leave and workers compensation claims. The wrong choices are likely to have the exact opposite effect. A properly managed selection process might not be easy, but attention to details will help avoid unforeseen problems down the road and keep matting working as a corporate asset
rather than a liability. FSM Even though Terry McHale is mostly deskbound in his position as marketing manager and national account sales manager at ergomat, he likes to stand at his job whenever he can; and when he does, he appreciates the support, comfort and stimulation provided by an effective ergonomic mat.