9 Things to Consider When Buying An Ergonomic Mat

An internet search of “anti-fatigue ergonomic mats” will render page after page of results, that can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.  We don’t envy anyone the process of finding the most appropriate ergonomic mat, but we can make it easier.

“Ultimately, it comes down to whether consumers want to invest in a piece of foam or a chunk of gel, or a true anti-fatigue technology,” says Al Shelley, Marketing Director at SATECH, Inc.

Before and after SmartCells anti-fatigue products were installed.

If your criteria is:  “I just want something that feels soft and squishy, and it want it cheap”, then there is no need to read further.  Just go to a maintenance and repair catalog and shop by price.  If, on the other hand, you want to find the best value on an anti-fatigue ergonomic mat solution to improve worker health, safety and productivity, then we invite you to continue.

There is a big difference between price and cost.  Example:

A $50 (that’s the price) mat that is in need of replacement each year will cost $400 in eight years.

A $100 (that’s the price) mat that has an eight year warranty, will cost $100 in eight years.

A clear case of the price being more that the cost.  And that doesn’t even consider the cost behind the reasons for using an ergonomic mat product in the first place.

To help you understand and evaluate the selection of anti-fatigue ergonomic mats and flooring, over the past several months we have covered 8 of the 9 essential questions one must ask before buying an anti-fatigue ergonomic mat. So far we have covered:

  1. Is the mat surface optimized for the right softness?
  2. Does the product encourage appropriate blood flow in lower legs?
  3. Does it resist bottoming out?
  4. Does the mat provide an energizing response to worker movements?
  5. Does the surface balance shock absorption and resilience?
  6. Does the mat get softer as compressed?
  7. Does the mat resist warping, bunching and creeping?
  8. Is the surface easy to clean?

This week we are wrapping up our series with the ninth and final question to ask before purchasing an ergonomic mat:

Is the surface durable?

One way to determine the value of an anti-fatigue ergonomic mat solution is to analyzing the number of replacement cycles that result over a specified time period. Many surfaces are in need of replacement after only a few months or a few years. Inexpensive foam mats can quickly lose their elasticity and easily bottom out, generate particulates, and become tripping hazards, as their draped top-covers curl and tear as they become brittle.  It’s easy to tell when these “cheap” mats are well past their prime, because workers will stack them, creating further tripping hazards.

Damaged edges create trip hazards and should be promptly replaced. The edge system of an ergonomic mat should be designed to be durable so it is not easily damaged.

With an 8-year limited warranty and a surface that has been designed to last for many years, resisting edge damage, tearing and premature failure of its anti-fatigue properties the SmartCells anti-fatigue ergonomic mat is the perfect solution for any office, workplace or home environment.

The unique SmartCells® cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue associated with standing.

SmartCells anti-fatigue ergonomic mats are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (Black, gray and light brown) and three sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68).

It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how you feel.

 

The Top 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Senior Falls

Each year Americans celebrate “Older Americans Month” in an effort raise awareness of the contributions of our elderly loved ones and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active.

This year the focus of Older Americans Month is to raise awareness about injury prevention.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2002, more than 12,800 people over age 65 died and 1.6 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls. However, over the past decade the death rates due to falls have risen sharply. In 2010, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 fell, and 2.3 million of our elderly were treated in emergency rooms due to fall-related injuries.

SmartCells fall protection flooring can be used as an underlayment to protect your elderly loved ones from fall-related injuries.

Focusing on fall prevention is critical and entirely appropriate, including assessments of potential medication interactions, gathering full medical histories, evaluation social networks and support, strength and balance training, creating and maintaining safe physical environments, etc.  But, the reality is that in spite of proactive steps to prevent falls, falls still occur.  So, we suggest that broadening the narrative from fall prevention to injury protection reflects more complete paradigm.

To prevent the risk of falls for at-risk populations, here are some helpful tips:

Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways.

  1. Secure loose rugs with double faced tape, tacks or a slip resistant backing.
  2. Repair loose wooden floorboards and carpeting right away.
  3. Immediately clean spilled liquid, grease or food.
  4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower.
  5. Place night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
  6. Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.
  7. Hand rails for both sides of the stairways.
  8. Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps.
  9. A raised toilet seat or one with armrests.
  10. Grab bars in the shower or tub.

To prevent injuries from falls, consider SmartCells fall protection flooring and mats.  The remarkable SmartCells cushioning technology provides a “dual-stiffness” that offers stability for balance-impaired persons, while at the same time providing significant cushioning that can exceed that of materials that are several times as thick.

SmartCells fall protection mats combine style and quality with features like beveled edges, which reduce tripping hazards and allow wheeled objects such as wheel chairs to easily roll over the mat.

SmartCells fall protection flooring is used as an underlayment for finished floors, avoids the use of mats completely.

SmartCells Fall Protection flooring and mats: We’ll be there when you can’t be.

The High Price of Low Cost Anti-fatigue Mats

Too often we see companies making decisions about products that affect worker health, safety and productivity based on short term price considerations.  Because the bottom line is important, we believe that it is critical to consider that there is a big difference between price and cost.  We have all purchased an item that seems like a “deal” only to find out that total cost-of-ownership is much different than the price tag at the time of purchase.  When considering the “price” of an anti fatigue mat, there are two primary considerations that impact the overall cost:  1. It’s cost over time, and 2. Does it do what it is supposed to do?  In this article, we will address the first of these.

In our recent 9 Questions Series, we have explored a variety of the essential questions to ask before investing in an anti-fatigue mat. So far, we have discussed compressibility (elastic modulus), and the height of the material relative to it’s compressibility (densification strain), having a balance between stability and instability, looking at how responsive the surface is to worker movements, and if the anti-fatigue mat surface balances shock attenuation (absorb energy) and resilience (return energy), and if the surface gets softer as it is compressed. This month we explore one of the elements to consider when determining the cost of ownership over time:

Is the anti-fatigue mat surface easy to clean?

Some surfaces can become easily embedded with industrial debris like metal shavings and chips that are almost impossible to sweep or clean. This causes companies increased overhead costs since they have to pay workers for additional cleanup time. Other mats have domed or uneven surfaces or holes that require special tools for adequate cleaning.

In addition, in an environment where oil and solvents are being used some matting material may have incompatible interactions. Perhaps the biggest concern is if moisture is present when using a foam mat. Foam can act just like a sponge, soaking up foreign liquids and fostering bacterial growth that can present serious threats to health, or at the very least become unsanitary and smell bad. Finally, material that can be easily cut, torn or punctured (like foam) can trap food particles and bacteria, and are usually not acceptable in food prep areas.

The cost of ownership of SmartCells anti-fatigue mats is very low because of our 8-year warranty, and the fact that the surface is tough enough to resist the embedding of industrial debris, and can easily be swept, mopped or vacuumed. Unlike foam, the rubber SmartCells will not absorb liquid which helps reduce the risk of infections, bacteria, and foul smells. Pressure washing with soap and water is also easy and does not damage the mat.

The unique SmartCells cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy, providing unparalleled responsiveness that helps reduce standing fatigue.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

8 Safety Features Every Aging-in-Place Home Needs

The last of the baby boomer generation is set to exit the workplace in the next few years and statistics show that the trend known as, aging-in-place, will continue to increase.

In fact, a study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that as of 2011 only a little over 5% of the 65+ population occupied nursing homes, congregate care, assisted living facilities, and board-and-care homes.

This trend of aging-in-place has raised concerns among health care officials and younger loved ones regarding the safety and mobility of this increasingly independent yet vulnerable retired generation.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

The ability to healthily and safely age-in-place is most successful when seniors have the support of loved ones and living quarters that have been strategically designed to increase safety and mobility and reduce the risk of a possible injury.

As our elderly loved ones continue to age their eye sight, balance and flexibility tend to decrease. In an effort to help prepare seniors to safely age independently AARP compiled this list of the most important safety features to utilize in one’s desired place to age:

  • Non-slip floor surfaces (SmartCells Fall protection)
  • Bathroom aides such as grab bars
  • A personal alert system that allows people to call for help in emergencies
  • Entrance without steps
  • Wider doorways
  • Lever-handled doorknobs
  • Higher electrical outlets
  • Lower electrical switches

Of all these safety features, 80% of retired people claim safety features such as non-slip floor surfaces are the most important upgrade to a home being used for aging-in-place.

SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring not only provide a safe, stable non-slip surface for elderly loved ones to walk across but they also provide cushion in case of a slip or fall.

The unique SmartCells fall protection technology utilizes what is known as dual-stiffness flooring because it provides the stability of being on a hard surface while also retaining the capability to compress like springs which cushion falls and protects our loved ones.

SmartCells fall protection mats combine style and quality with features like beveled edges, which reduce tripping hazards and allow wheeled objects such as wheel chairs to easily roll over the mat, and anti-slip surfaces, to provide a safe and elegant alternative to many other fall protection and prevention products.

SmartCells Fall Protection: We’ll be there when you can’t be.

 

 

Anti-fatigue Mats Can Reduce Work Place Injuries

Shows like America’s funniest home videos and websites like YouTube are filled with videos of people slipping, tripping and falling. Most of them are comical but sometimes you find yourself wincing sympathetically in pain.

Unfortunately, at one point or another all of us have experienced the negative effects of gravity combined with a slippery, unstable surface or maybe even an improperly placed anti-fatigue floor mat or rug.

A study conducted by the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index found that falls were the second leading cause of all workplace injuries in 2005. These falls were estimated, by the National Safety Council, to cost approximately $70 billion per year.

According to OSHA two leading environmental causes that have been found to lead to a dangerous workplace and a potential for more falls are: floor surfaces that are in disrepair and loose or unanchored mats or rugs.

Considering the cost and dangers associated with workplace falls and improperly used anti-fatigue mats, this month we continue our series on the 9 essential questions to ask before buying an anti-fatigue mat. So far, we have discussed compressibility (elastic modulus), and the height of the material relative to it’s compressibility (densification strain), having a balance between stability and instability, looking at how responsive the surface is to worker movements, and if the anti-fatigue mat surface balances shock attenuation (absorb energy) and resilience (return energy), and if the surface get softer as it is compressed.  Our next question is:

Does the anti-fatigue surface resist movement under use?

A clean, dry floor is one of the best deterrents to a sliding mat, but this isn’t always possible in a workplace setting. To further complicate the issue, the material from which a surface is made can also contribute to an anti-fatigue mat moving easily across the floor, creating slipping hazards.

In addition, when the matting material breaks down, it can create a slippery layer of fine “dust” between the anti-fatigue mat and the floor allowing the mat to easily travel. Since this often happens on the bottom of these mats, it is often common for a user to be unaware of the degradation of the material.

In an effort to prevent sliding or bent up corners, it is not unusual to see many anti-fatigue mats taped down along the edges because their light weight allows them to shift easily as items roll over them or as they are walked on or kicked or bumped.

When we designed SmartCells anti-fatigue mats and runners, we took all of these factors into consideration. Our mats are manufactured to be significantly sturdier than light-weight mats, resist breaking down like foam mats, and resist movement while remaining easy to remove for cleaning.

The unique SmartCells® cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy, providing unparalleled responsiveness that helps reduce standing fatigue.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

The Two Most Dangerous Places in Your Home

Aging-in-place depends on the ability of seniors to live independently and safely.  An important aspect of preserving independence is avoiding injuries if falls occur.

Recently, we have blogged about the topic of fall protection, and discussed one of the features of the SmartCells fall protection technology that enables the use of wheeled equipment and mobility devices.  While this is critically important, it is interesting to note that in a recent study conducted by Stephen Robinovitch, professor of biomedical physiology and kinesiology at Simon Fraser University, and a team of researchers found that 80% of elderly patient falls, that occurred over the course of the study, happened when the patient was not using a mobility device such as a walker, wheel-chair or cane.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

Robinovitch concluded that “falls are occurring in those transition periods … when someone is going from the walker to sitting down in the dining room or getting up.”

Statistically, we know that most falls occur:

  1. Between the bed and the bathroom, and
  2. Wherever they transition from sitting to standing.

If we can accurately predict where a fall will occur, then a spot-mat (like next to a bed) is a good solution.  However, frail-fallers are not always likely to be predictable, so providing fall protection over larger areas, can be a much better solution.  In addition to SmartCells fall protection mats, the SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall protection Mat can be configured to almost any shape and size, providing fall protection over a wide area, and also be walker / wheel friendly.

An even better solution is to use not mats, at all.  Consider SmartCells fall protection flooring.  As an underlayment beneath a soft or hard flooring material (carpet tiles or vinyl), it will be an invisible bodyguard, providing safety, security and peace of mind.

SmartCells Fall Protection: We’ll be there when you can’t be.

Step Into Stress Relief With SmartCells

The Summer season may contribute to lower productivity, but it certainly isn’t the only killer of productivity on the job.

A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 51 percent of employees said they were less productive at work because of stress. Furthermore, it is estimated that stress costs the US economy more than $300 billion a year in absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity and medical, legal and insurance costs.

To combat stress in the workplace, many forward-thinking companies are investing in health and wellness programs as well as ergonomically optimizing work stations to reduce pain and stress while increasing productivity.

One such ergonomic option many companies are leaning towards is the use of the standing desk. Although this is a great way to increase health and productivity while decreasing stress, standing for extended periods of time can also be detrimental to employee health.

In fact, prolonged standing in work environments has been proven to make employees more susceptible to musculo-skeletal pain and fatigue.

One solution to reduce the negative effects of prolonged standing is to invest in quality anti-fatigue mats or flooring for your workforce. But, with so many different anti-fatigue options to choose from, how do you find the right one?

We have been tackling this issue in our 9-part series titled: Essential Questions You Must Ask Before Purchasing an Anti-Fatigue Mat.

In our June Newsletter, we drew correlations between beach days and anti-fatigue mats while discussing the optimal balance of shock attenuation and resilience. This month we will explore the sixth essential question in our series:

Does the surface get softer as it is compressed?

When we first start talking with potential clients we have found that there is a common popular notion that if a hard surface is bad for standing, then a soft surface is good for standing. If that was the case, why not just put mattresses down for standing workers? The fact of the matter is, is that this notion couldn’t be further from the truth.

To further play into this false notion, many anti-fatigue products are constructed from overly soft, squishy materials such as foam or gel, with claims of being the “thickest”, “plushest”, “most buoyant” anti-fatigue surface.

Regardless of the variations in construction, from domed foam geometries to draped top-covers with various surface textures, there is one challenge shared by all foam-based products: foam gets harder as it is compressed. And gel. Well, gel just squishes out of the way.

So, if the objective is simply to provide a softer surface, why do it with a material that gets harder or squishes out of the way when used for standing or walking?

The solution to this question is the SmartCells cushioning technology. The unique cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy, providing unparalleled responsiveness that helps reduce standing fatigue.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

Can Fall Protection Products Increase Mobility and Safety?

The changes our elderly loved ones experience as they age can often be very difficult both emotionally and physically. The increased doctor appointments often coupled with decreased independence and mobility can be supremely frustrating and stressful for seniors.

Family members and caregivers are often faced with the difficult task of keeping seniors safe while respecting their desire for independence. The difficulty of this is greatly multiplied when the elderly loved one suffers from a lack of physical mobility and requires the use of a walker, wheel chair, or other wheeled device.

SmartCells Fall Protection products easily allow wheel chairs to roll across the surface.

A study conducted by the University of California San Francisco and the Disability Statistics Center found that 14 percent of our elderly population and 40 percent of adults aged 80 and older use some sort of mobility device such as a cane, walker, wheel chair, etc. This rate is 10 times higher than mobility device use by working-age adults.

One of the easiest ways to keep your mobility-impaired loved ones safe when you can’t be around is by using products such as SmartCells Fall protection mats and flooring.

One of the most common questions we receive concerning our fall protection products is: how well do wheeled objects roll across your product?

Generally objects such as walkers and wheelchairs roll easily across the SmartCells fall protection products without increasing the risk of a trip hazard. However, the ease and force required to roll larger equipment across SmartCells Fall protection products largely depends on the size of the wheels and the weight of the equipment.

Although, pushing the equipment on the responsive flooring may require a higher push force than pushing on the regular flooring in all conditions with all equipment. The responsive flooring push forces still fall within ergonomics guidelines and would be considered an acceptable implementation by the Workplace Health Ergonomics team.

The unique SmartCells technology incorporates a dual-stiffness design that provides the stability of a hard surface while also retaining the capability to compress and cushion the impact of a fall.

SmartCells fall protection products include bedside mats, which have a low profile and beveled edges, enabling wheel chairs to easily roll over them.  In addition to bedside mats, SATECH, Inc. also offers custom fall protection flooring to fill any space or partial room when a single bedside mat is not large enough.

SmartCells Fall Protection products will be there for your loved ones when you can’t.

What do beach days & anti-fatigue mats have in common?

With Summer around the corner, we have been daydreaming of long days spent relaxing at the beach. We can all relate to a day at the beach lugging all our gear to our ideal spot on a sandy shore.  Despite how relaxing it can be, walking on the beach is a totally different story. Sure, the sand may be warm, playful and inviting but can also be quite fatiguing because of how soft and unstable it is.

Did you know that there are some interesting parallels that can be drawn between walking/standing in sand and finding the right anti-fatigue mat? This month we continue our exploration of the 9 essential questions you must ask before purchasing an anti-fatigue mat by considering question number 5:

Does the anti-fatigue mat surface balance shock attenuation (absorb energy) and resilience (return energy)?

The ability of an anti-fatigue surface to attenuate or absorb shock without bottoming out ensures that impacts from heel-strikes, shifting of weight, sudden movements and even falls are cushioned adequately without causing injury.  In other words, proper shock attenuation when balanced with the right amount of elasticity(resilience), can ensure a less discomfort from standing and walking activities.

This is where the sand comes in. Too much absorption, may create the same sensation as standing in sand, which may absorb shock, but is very uncomfortable as a working surface.

However, shock absorption is only half of the equation. The other half is that the mat needs to have the right amount of resilience.

A good anecdote is to picture a solid object being dropped on a hard surface like a concrete floor. Due to the inflexible nature of the concrete, much of the energy is re-directed back into the object.

Now picture that object is your body, each step you take on that concrete floor you receive those impact forces back into your joints, ligaments and musculature, which over time and with repetition can be painful and debilitating.

Considering sand and concrete are on opposite ends of the surface resiliency spectrum, it is easy to conclude that an effective anti-fatigue surface must balance shock attenuation and resiliency.

The SmartCells Solution

Biomechanically engineered, the unique SmartCells Cushioning Technology provides an optimized balance between force attenuation (absorption) and resilience (rebound). When weight/force (energy) is applied to the SmartCells, they act like springs which cushion impact forces, without bottoming out. That energy is “held” as the pressure remains, then is returned as the stored energy is lessened or removed (shifting weight, walking, etc.). In the final phase, the SmartCells actively rebound (push back like a spring), effectively providing absorption and resilience at the same time.

SmartCells Cushioning technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

Fracture Rate: The Number That Could Save Your Life

According to the Center for Disease Control in 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 were hospitalized.

The CDC also reported that 20-30 percent of elders who fall, suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas.

A bone fracture, specifically a hip fracture, is often seen as the beginning of an elderly loved ones demise and has the high potential of becoming fatal.

If you have read our fall protection blog in the past, you have most likely come across the phrase “fracture rate” and wondered what it means and why it is important.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

“Fracture rate” is one way to measure the potential safety of a fall protection product. The term “fracture rate” describes the ratio of bone fractures from falls on a surface to the total falls on that surface. As you can imagine, the better the fracture rate, the safer and more effective a product will be for your loved ones.

Dr. Frank Knoefel, of the Bruyère Research Institute in Canada, conducted a retrospective study in which he and his associates compared the frequency of hip fractures that resulted from residents living in rooms with regular hard surface flooring to residents living in rooms equipped with SmartCells fall protection flooring.

The study found a 2.4% fracture rate among residents living in rooms with regular flooring, while the SmartCells fall protection floor resulted in a 0% fracture rate among its residents.  Research continues to gain statistical confidence in these findings.

The unique SmartCells technology incorporates a dual-stiffness design that provides the stability of a hard surface while also retaining the capability to compress and cushion the impact of a fall.

SmartCells fall protection products include bedside mats, which have a low profile and beveled edges, enabling wheel chairs to easily roll over them.  In addition to bedside mats, SATECH, Inc. also offers custom fall protection flooring to fill any space or partial room when a single bedside mat is not large enough.

SmartCells Fall Protection products will be there for your loved ones when you can’t.