Unless you manage a swimming pool or own an ice cream truck, chances are your business slows down during the Summer. With many people taking Summer vacations product sales dip.

To make matters worse, it’s not just sales that slow down. Your employees are likely to be less productive during the Summer months too.

In fact, a 2012 study regarding worker productivity in the summertime found that workplace “productivity declines by about 20 percent between June and September. Furthermore, warmer weather prompts decreased attendance (19 percent lower) and increased distraction levels (45 percent higher than the norm).”

While a decrease in monthly business is never a good thing, savvy organizations spend the Summer optimizing business processes in preparation for their busy months.

Which is why many organizations choose to implement SmartCells Cushioning Technology during the Summer.

Investment and implementation of SmartCells Anti-fatigue solutions not only keeps your employees comfortable while on the job, it promotes productivity, reduces the risk of injuries, and ultimately helps your bottomline.

Ergonomically engineered to resist bottoming out without being too soft, the unique SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, runners, and flooring provide a safe, stable, and comfortable surface to work on.

Sure, ergonomically designed rubber mats may keep your employees comfortable but can they really help your bottomline?

The short answer is, yes. 

Here’s how:

According to a study on lost productivity conducted by The Journal of the American Medical Association, 12.6% of workers experience a loss of productivity due to the following pain conditions: headaches(5.4%), back pain (3.2%), musculoskeletal pain (2.0%) and arthritis pain (2.0%). (PS: This is in addition to the lost productivity most companies experience due to the Summer Slowdown.)

Based on the results of this study, SmartCells Cushioning Technology can effectively reduce nearly 41% of the pain associated with lost productivity due to painful conditions (back and musculoskeletal pain). Over time that adds up to a lot of saved productivity and reduced costs.

At SATECH, Inc., we know that your work environment is unique and what worked for one company might not work for yours. Which is why we offer a completely customized anti-fatigue solution for each company. Simply click the button below and fill out the form to request your personalized quote.

SmartCells: Solutions for Life’s Painful Problems.

When most people imagine a work environment, they may picture rows of workers in cubicles sitting in front of computers. However, a 2016 study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that most workers spend 61% of their workday standing. Which brings up the million dollar question: how should companies help workers alleviate the standing pain they experience on the job? In a recent episode of the Building Management Podcast, SATECH, Inc. CEO Bryce Betteridge answers that question and more in an interview with host Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B. Click below to listen.

Although there has been a wave of the Baby Boomer generation retiring in recent years, a significant number of employees between the ages of 55 to 65 still remain in the workforce. This increase in older employees presents a new set of challenges when it comes to workplace safety and comfort.

In fact, according to the 2017 statistics gathered by the BLS, workers over the age of 55 accounted for nearly 52% of fatal injuries due to falls. 

Beyond accidental deaths in the workplace, BLS reports state that even though older employees are not injured at a higher incidence, “the injury suffered is often more severe than that of younger employees”, which leads to longer recovery times and an increase in lost productivity.

Facing these challenges, forward thinking organizations realize the key to success with an aging workforce is a focus on workplace safety and ergonomics.

This is where SmartCells products can provide a solution.

SmartCells anti-fatigue products are engineered to provide optimal levels of comfort and safety for standing workers. For older workers with higher risk of falling, the SmartCells structure provides a stable, balance-enabling surface that aids in the prevention of serious fall-related injuries.

The unique SmartCells technology provides a stable, supportive surface that cushions as weight is applied, then rebounds, like a spring, when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue.

SmartCells Anti-fatigue technology is available in pre-sized mats for single workstations or as a custom flooring solution designed to meet the needs of your specific environment.

Do more for your workforce. Feel good while standing at work. With SmartCells ergonomically engineered custom flooring, mats, and insoles. Solutions for the workplace.

SmartCells: Solutions for Life’s Painful Problems

Whether it is a slip in the workplace, a cut while cooking dinner at home, or a sprain while playing your favorite sport, at one point or another in your life you are bound to have an accident and/or injury. That’s just a fact of life.

Although accidents happen, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the necessary precautions.

Which is why the National Safety Council (NSC) came up with the idea of National Safety Month. The goal of this annual month-long campaign held in June is to “reduce the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.” This year, the NSC will be focusing efforts on these main topics:

1. Hazard Recognition
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
3. Fatigue
4. Impairment

Here at SATECH, Inc. we believe that life shouldn’t hurt, and the topics of safety awareness, injury prevention, and fatigue reduction are near and dear to us. So, we thought we would take this chance to share our top 10 workplace safety tips.

1. Check Your Posture

Whether you work at a desk or in a manual labor environment make sure you use the correct posture to protect yourself from back injuries. If you work at a desk, you will want to keep your shoulders in line with your hips to avoid back problems. For manual labor, always lift with your legs and try to avoid stooping or twisting.

2. Don’t Take Shortcuts

We know that some workplace safety processes can be tedious and seem unnecessary but they are there for a reason. Taking shortcuts on workplace procedures more often than not leads to injuries. Even if it doesn’t, the small amount of time you ‘save’ isn’t worth the risk.

3. Try to Keep an 8-Hour Workday

Studies have found that the risk for a musculoskeletal injury greatly increases during a long shift due to the effects of muscle fatigue, strains, and sprains. If at all possible, try to work an 8-hour shift. If you must work longer, it is important to take regular breaks, especially if you are doing repeatedly manual work.

4. Take Work Breaks

When workers become too fatigued it can be difficult for them to adequately observe dangers in the workplace which increases their risk of injury.  By law, in an 8-hour shift, workers should be allotted two 10-15 minute breaks and a lunch break.

5. WWE: Walkways, Workstations, and Exits

An important step in reducing workplace injuries is to keep the above listed areas clean and clear of clutter. Not only can messy workstations increase workplace stress and reduce productivity, if workers don’t have adequate space to properly perform work tasks their risk of injury increases. Furthermore, in the case of a workplace disaster, exits need to remain clear and easily accessible. Finally, to reduce the risk of slips and falls, any spills should be cordoned off and cleaned up immediately.

6. Stay Focused and Be Aware

If your job requires a lot of movement or use of machinery, it is important to be aware of existing hazards and be conscious of other workers in your space. Staying focused will help you stay safe and might even prevent a coworker from getting hurt on the job.

7. Report Unsafe Conditions

Many workplace accidents and injuries can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. If you feel unsafe at work, it is up to you to report potential workplace hazards to your supervisor. By law they are obligated to make sure you and your coworkers have a safe working environment.

8. Eat and Drink Smart

Did you know that roughly 3% of workplace injuries are due to intoxication on the job? In addition to staying sober, making sure you eat a healthy diet will allow you to naturally keep your energy up and fight off fatigue which leads to injuries. Foods rich in potassium, like bananas, will keep your muscles from cramping.

9. Pay Attention to Workplace Ergonomics

One of the major components to reducing workplace overuse injuries is to outfit workstations with ergonomically designed furniture and equipment. Personal workstations should be set up to minimize unnatural movement and allow for workers to maintain a neutral posture.

10. Use SmartCells Anti-fatigue Products

SmartCells anti-fatigue products are ergonomically designed and engineered to prevent and reduce pain, including back pain, associated with standing for extended periods of time.

The unique SmartCells technology provides a stable, supportive surface that cushions as weight is applied, then rebounds, like a spring, when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue.

SmartCells Anti-fatigue technology is available in pre-sized mats for single workstations or as a custom flooring solution designed to meet the needs of your specific environment.

SmartCells: Solutions to Life’s Painful Problems.

A recent study conducted by the National MS Society found that nearly 1 million adults in the United States are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). That’s nearly twice as many as previous studies have estimated.

While it is possible that MS is increasing due to exposure to environmental viruses or toxins, many experts are skeptical and credit the increased incidence to better diagnostic tools.

The bottom line is that more people are suffering from this debilitating disease and a cure has yet to be discovered.

SmartCells Anti-fatigue Mats Can Help

SmartCells anti-fatigue mats are specifically engineered to provide optimal levels of comfort for users with Multiple Sclerosis, effectively minimizing pain and fatigue.

The unique ability for SmartCells to cushion as weight is applied, then rebound when the weight shifts, returning energy and reducing fatigue has helped them become a viable way to help those who suffer from MS stand for periods of time with minimal pain.

In fact, one SmartCells customer who has suffered from MS since 1984 penned an open letter praising SmartCells’ ability to help her stand for periods of time, remove her back brace, and minimize her back and leg fatigue. You can read the letter here —-> https://www.smartcellsusa.com/smartcells-anti-fatigue-mats-help-ms-sufferer-stand-comfort/.

The SmartCells line of anti-fatigue mats come with an industry-leading 8-year warranty and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (black, gray and light brown), three sizes (2’X3’, 3’X5’ and 2’X5.5’), and two heights (⅜” and ½”) to best meet each MS sufferer’s unique needs.

Here at SATECH, Inc.,we believe that life shouldn’t hurt. That’s why during the month of May we are donating a portion of our online proceeds to the National MS Society to help fund research for a cure.

In addition, if you know someone who suffers from MS and could use a mat, tell them to visit smartcellusa.com and use coupon code “MScomfort” to receive 15% off one of our standard anti-fatigue mats.

SmartCells: Solutions to Life’s Painful Problems.

When choosing a product in the anti-fatigue space, it’s vital to select one that will last, offering a substantial return on investment. SmartCells® offers a premium product with an eight-year warranty, delivering a much longer usage lifecycle when compared to other products that often require replacing every six months. Explore why SmartCells solutions are better than the rest. 

Anti-Fatigue Cushioning Is Critical in Many Industries

Employees that spend a lot of time on their feet should have support—support that increases productivity while decreasing the possibility of injury. There are multiple types of anti-fatigue mats that can work in a variety of settings.

Here’s a breakdown of what each of these products offers:

• Anti-fatigue floor mats: These are ideal for workers that must stay in the same place, whether that’s running a machine on a plant floor or standing at a cash register. These mats can also be upgraded with a carpet-topped insert.
• Anti-fatigue runners: These mats can be used for individualized work stations or to cover larger areas that see high-traffic. Custom sizes and special formulations are available depending on needs.
• Anti-fatigue custom flooring: These products can be used in individual areas, larger spaces, or specific places such as lift trucks, ensuring workers have maximum support.
• Anti-fatigue insoles: Fitting right into their shoes, insoles go with employees everywhere. This is especially beneficial for the worker always on the move.
• Portable kneeling mats: For workers that spend a lot of time on their knees—mechanics, welders, maintenance staff, etc.—kneeling mats offer easy-to-use, extra cushioning.

Other products have been designed specifically to meet the needs of particular industries:

• SmartCells anti-fatigue technology is useful throughout many areas of an airport, including ticket counters, gate podiums and counters, baggage areas, rental car agencies and security checkpoints. Mats can be installed under carpet or vinyl or as a standalone, and are part of the TSA’s architectural specification of CBRA (Checked Baggage Resolution Areas).
• Considering most all manufacturing workers are on their feet throughout a shift, industrial usage of anti-fatigue mats is quite widespread. From individual workspaces to coverings for larger parts of the plant floor, anti-fatigue mats deliver relief.
• In pharmacies, anti-fatigue mats are exceedingly valuable to pharmacists and technicians that stand up all day working with customers or dispensing medications. 

Comparable Products Lack Durability

Anti-fatigue mats aren’t designed equally. Some are simply better than others. For example, the longer a person stands on a foam mat, the harder the mat becomes as it is compressed. They also break down quickly, resulting in curled edges which can create a safety hazard.

Gel anti-fatigue products are also deficient in several areas. As an employee steps on to a gel mat, the gel distributes outward, leaving the person standing almost directly on the hard surface. Providing little to no relief, these less than durable products wear out easily and must be replaced frequently.

SmartCells Innovation Delivers a Better Product

At SmartCells, we’ve based our products on innovation, delivering years of comfort for employees everywhere. Built for stability, SmartCells don’t impair the user’s balance. As weight shifts, our mats become softer, cushioning impact better. When weight is removed, SmartCells mats rebound back into place, providing energy return. Proudly made in the USA, our patented technology is based on years of research and development, offering non-buckling, non-curling durability, ensuring better ROI over mats that must be laboriously and frequently replaced—providing safe, continuous support and relief to employees in a variety of industries.

At SmartCells, our team of experts mold each mat or flooring tile with precision. Find your optimal solution today by shopping our products.