Why do workers need anti-fatigue matting?

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2 Why do workers need anti-fatigue matting? Standing or walking on hard surfaces for extended periods of time causes significant pain and fatigue to the worker. Some contributing factors include: Standing requires 20% more energy than sitting Blood pools in the feet, causing muscles to become tired and feet and ankles to swell Impact shock sends shock waves upward through the body, affecting the feet, knees, hips, and lower back Back muscles become fatigued and strained when the supporting muscles are held in one position too long Stress moves up the back, spreading pain and fatigue throughout the body as far up as the neck Workers who are exposed to static postures or sustained repetitive motions are at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal and repetitive strain injuries

3 Why do employers want anti-fatigue matting? Workers who experience pain and fatigue on the job can become a liability in the workplace, costing the company money in several ways: Diminished mental acuity, dexterity, and physical agility cause workers to make costly mistakes Decreased attention to detail, lower quality of work, and higher absenteeism (sick days, time off for medical appointments or treatments, long and/or short-term disability, or simply not showing up for work) reduce productivity Reduced productivity costs the company the competitive edge Increased incidence of accidents and injuries results in more health care costs and compensation claims, as well as the expense of hiring and training replacement workers Workers who experience pain and fatigue on the job want to leave the workforce sooner

4 What are the benefits of anti-fatigue matting? Anti-fatigue mats are made of various materials including rubber, vinyl, and carpeting. A study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh concluded that anti-fatigue matting can reduce fatigue by as much as 50 percent. 1 These results are achieved by: Alleviating pressure Stimulating blood circulation Decreasing impact shock Dramatically reducing stress to the lower back, leg joints, and major muscle groups 1 R. Cham and M.S. Redfern, The Influence of Flooring on Standing Comfort and Fatigue, Human Factors: Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Volume 43, 2001.

5 What are some of the challenges of anti-fatigue matting? Although anti-fatigue matting is successful in reducing pain and fatigue of the standing and mobile worker, it has several limitations. Does not address the needs of the vast majority of employees because the mats are stationary, mobile workers are still exposed to walking and standing on hard surfaces Low product efficiency only small portions of the mats are used at one time, often by a single employee Expensive and impractical to cover the entire floor with matting Moving equipment cannot maneuver over or around the mats Edges can pose a trip hazard Weight and bulk of the mats make them difficult to clean and maintain Exposure to chemicals and contaminants can damage the mats

6 How do ErgoMates address these challenges? ErgoMates have a U.S. patent as the world s first and only mobile anti-fatigue matting system. By strapping ErgoMates onto existing footwear, employees take the mat with them. The same factors that motivate companies to purchase anti-fatigue matting apply to ErgoMates as well, with the added benefit of mobility and slip-resistance. By taking the mat with them, employees are no longer exposed to walking and standing on hard surfaces. Impact shock is reduced with every step and low-level vibration is virtually eliminated.

7 Who needs ErgoMates? Anyone who is on their feet for extended periods of time and does not have access to matting, for various reasons: Employees who are required to move from place to place, or station to station Expense the facility may be too large to cover in matting Rolling or moving equipment Debris can make cleaning difficult Hygienic reasons (i.e., operating room, clean room, etc )

8 What are the features of ErgoMates? Some of ErgoMates main features include: Completely mobile anti-fatigue matting system Provide excellent slip-resistance Can be used on their own or as a complement to an existing matting program Easy to put on Available in five sizes to fit almost any type of footwear Fully-adjustable strap system fits snugly and will not shift on the foot Easy to clean (rinse with hose, machine wash, or put in dishwasher) Available in two colors (black or white)

9 How do ErgoMates benefit companies and organizations? In summary, some of the benefits of ErgoMates include: Improved comfort for the user (reduced pain, fatigue, and injury), resulting in increased morale Increased productivity Improved quality of work, resulting in less rework Reduced personal injury, accidents, and mistakes Reduced absenteeism and sick days Reduced compensation claims and long-term health care costs Solution to problem of aging workforce

10 How are these results accomplished? ErgoMates outsole is made from looped anti-fatigue matting material that has been found to: Reduce fatigue by as much as 50% Extend energy, dexterity, agility, and vitality of the user Absorb impact shock while walking and return energy to the foot while striding Add slip-resistance Insulate feet from vibration and cold shop floors Extend the life of costly footwear (i.e. reduced wear of sole and toe cap on work shoes or boots)

11 ErgoMates Reduce Pain and Fatigue A physiological study conducted in 1999 found the type of matting used in ErgoMates extends the time until fatigue becomes excessive by the following percentages 8 : 8 R. Cham and M.S. Redfern, The Influence of Flooring on Standing Comfort and Fatigue, Human Factors: Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Volume 43, 2001.

12 Who currently uses ErgoMates? Manufacturing (aircraft, automotive, agricultural, furniture, woodworking) assemblers, welders, lab technicians, etc. Warehouses and distribution centers Postal companies and couriers mail and packaging sorters, counter staff, delivery personnel Air Force, Army, and Navy maintenance and repair Retail and wholesale outlets Health care (doctors, surgeons, nurses, lab technicians, physiotherapists, laundry workers, food service, etc.) Clean Rooms Dry cleaners Printers

13 Who already buys ErgoMates? ErgoMates are so effective that six of the top ten Fortune 100 companies have purchased ErgoMates for their employees, giving them a competitive advantage. Boeing has been using ErgoMates since 2004 and has written them into their Best Practices. Other major companies and organizations that use ErgoMates include: Lockheed Martin General Electric Harley Davidson U.S. Air Force Weyerhauser U.S.P.S. Goodrich Aviation General Motors Hallmark Cards La-Z-Boy Toyota and many more

14 Why would a company spend valuable resources to address employee pain and fatigue with ErgoMates? Every employee has an anti-fatigue program. It is either company-directed or left to the individual employee to find ways to manage pain and fatigue. At a cost that varies between 3 and 10 cents per hour (depending on the weight and usage of the person wearing them), ErgoMates are very cost-effective for a company to provide or an employee to purchase. Employees who use ErgoMates enjoy extended levels of energy, vitality, and productivity, and employers benefit from increased profit. The cost of ignoring the issues of employee pain and fatigue is much higher than the price of a proactive approach

15 Lost productive time due to common pain conditions A random-sample study of 28,902 working adults in the U.S. conducted over a one-year period 2 found: 13% of the total workforce experienced a loss of productive time during a 2-week period due to a common pain condition (arthritis, back pain, and musculoskeletal pain) Workers who suffered from back or musculoskeletal pain lost an average of hours per week in productive time The majority (76.6%) of lost productive time was explained as reduced performance while at work and not work absence 2 W. Stewart et al, Lost Productive Time and Cost Due to Common Pain Conditions in the U.S. Workforce, Journal of the American Medical Association 290 (Nov. 2003).

16 Why invest in ErgoMates? Impact Shock The average person takes 18,000 steps per day, 2 but for workers in industries like manufacturing, health care, and retail, that number is much higher. Studies have shown that up to half of the manufacturing and service industry workforce spends 4 or more hours a day standing or walking. 3 The repetitive striking of the heel against the floor sends shock waves equal to two times a person s body weight upward through the body, affecting the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. Impact shock can cause long-term damage and pain which may limit activity and, in some cases, require joint replacement. 4 By putting the cushion on the outsole, ErgoMates absorb the majority of impact shock before it reaches the sole of the shoe or boot. 3 Steven Di Pilla, Slip and Fall Prevention: A Practical Handbook, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Working On Your Feet, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc., Revised 2005.

17 Why invest in ErgoMates? Slips and Falls A slip occurs when there is a sudden loss of traction between the shoes (or feet) and the walking surface. Normally clean, dry surfaces provide enough traction to move about without slipping, but when contaminants such as water, ice, food, or oil are added, a slip hazard is created. In a recent study conducted by Liberty Mutual to determine the gap between perceptions and actual injury causes, company executives ranked slips and falls seventh they are actually the second leading cause of injury in the workplace. 5 In the U.S. food service industry, for example, slips and falls represent 40% of the total worker compensation claims. Slip and fall injuries are a $100 billion problem. ErgoMates are an integral component of a comprehensive program that includes proper workplace design, maintenance, and training in the prevention of slips and falls. 5 Liberty Mutual Reveals First-Ever Ranking Of The Leading Causes Of Workplace Injuries, Feb. 26, 2001.

18 ErgoMates Provide Excellent Slip-Resistance Precision Testing Laboratory, an independent testing lab in Nashville, have found ErgoMates to be significantly more slip-resistant than most slip-resistant footwear. 6 Note: 1) Scale: 0.0 is free of any resistance; 1.0 is very high friction (i.e. dry semi-rough concrete) 2) Tile is a used quarry tire contaminated with oil and water 6 Laboratory Report Precision Testing Laboratories, Nashville, TN. Dec. 1, 2004.

19 Why invest in ErgoMates? Worker Compensation and Health Care Costs Workers who spend extended periods of time walking or standing on hard surfaces are at increased risk of developing a musculoskeletal injury, the number one job-related injury reported in the U.S each year. These injuries, which affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, or bones, are caused by prolonged or sustained repetitive motions, awkward postures, or limitations in motion or action. Musculoskeletal injuries can range in severity from mild periodic symptoms to chronic and debilitating conditions. 7 Injured workers cost the company money in health care and worker compensation claims, as well as the cost of hiring and training replacement workers. ErgoMates reduce health care costs and worker compensation claims by decreasing the effects of standing and walking on hard surfaces, reducing the pain and fatigue that cause many workplace accidents, and providing slip-resistance to prevent slips and falls. 7 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996.

20 Why invest in ErgoMates? Aging Workforce Older workers are often a company s most valuable employees because they have skills, expertise, and experience that can only be gained through years on the job. Many of these employees have been walking or standing on hard surfaces for years or more, and cumulative trauma is taking its toll. Workers who experience pain, fatigue, and injury on the job want to leave the workforce sooner. This issue is especially serious in light of the critical skilled labor shortage anticipated in the near future as the boomers retire. Companies are finding it incredibly difficult and expensive to replace their older workers because there are not enough skilled people coming into the workforce to replace them. Implementing an ergonomic strategy is a powerful incentive for keeping older workers on the job longer.

21 Why invest in ErgoMates? Competitive Advantage ErgoMates provide companies with a competitive advantage by: Helping to retain their skilled, aging workforce Helping to increase employee morale Helping to increase productivity (savings vs. cost per hour) Helping to reduce costly mistakes (quality and rework) Helping to reduce accidents (lawsuits, health care and worker compensation claims, and insurance) Helping to reduce absenteeism and sick days (including re-training costs) Helping to reduce long-term health care costs

22 Why invest in ErgoMates? Return on Investment ErgoMates return on investment is extremely high. Companies that proactively address the challenges of pain and fatigue experience a huge payback increased morale and productivity, reduced absenteeism and risk of injury, and fewer costly mistakes. Economics of ErgoMates Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance $0.50 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.45 $0.40 $0.35 $0.30 $0.25 $0.20 $0.31 ROI = 9 to 1 $0.15 $0.10 $0.05 $0.00 $0.16 $0.10 $0.08 $0.06 $0.05 $0.04 $0.04 $0.03 $0.03 $0.03 $ Savings per hour for ErgoMates (based on 2.5% productivity improvement) Cost per hour for ErgoMates (based on ErgoMates longevity in months)

23 Why invest in ErgoMates? Quality of Work and Attention to Detail Increased production is not the only motivation for wearing ErgoMates. For example, surgeons wear ErgoMates to help counteract the effects of prolonged periods of standing, and to help maintain stamina, physical agility, dexterity, and mental acuity. For a surgeon, attention to detail is of paramount importance. ErgoMates help maintain stamina, energy, mental acuity, agility, and dexterity, and reduce fatigue by up to 50%. Not every company needs its employees to maintain surgical precision, but most companies would see positive results from a workforce whose issues of pain and fatigue have been addressed.

24 Don t let pain and fatigue rob your employee s health and vitality and your company s productivity. ErgoMates can significantly impact employee morale, health, safety and your organization s bottom line!

25 FAQ Q: Why not just use good quality footwear or a cushioned insert? A: Soles are usually made of materials that provide durability and safety, with comfort being less of a concern. The most important thing to consider when purchasing footwear is that they fit properly and provide structural support and stability (orthotics and other devices can help restore proper support and stability). Aftermarket insoles can help reduce impact shock and increase comfort, but should be chosen carefully, with the assistance of a trained professional, as some insoles and inserts can reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of safety footwear. It is better to have a firm, properly supported stance and the cushion connecting with the floor to maintain stability and motion control. ErgoMates reduce impact shock and vibration at the source.

26 FAQ Q: How are ErgoMates viewed at the end-user level in comparison to antifatigue matting? A: ErgoMates are designed to complement and enhance an existing ergonomic program. With that said, ErgoMates are a mobile anti-fatigue matting solution. You can cover your entire workplace with two feet of anti-fatigue matting. No awkward cuts, no missed spots, no curled edges (trip hazard), and no hassle cleaning. ErgoMates are with you every step of the way this is the very premise on which ErgoMates were invented!

27 FAQ Q: Are ErgoMates a trip hazard? A: ErgoMates unique, adjustable strapping system makes the product one with your shoe or boot. There is no additional risk of tripping, slipping, or falling. Q: What are ErgoMates made of? A: ErgoMates are comprised of a 2-ply sole. The layer that contacts the sole of the shoe or boot consists of a high quality EVA, and the layer that connects with the floor is made of vinyl.

28 FAQ Q: Do ErgoMates break down faster in extreme environments? A: While ErgoMates are made with the most effective and resilient materials available, there are some factors that cause deterioration to be accelerated. These include: 1) the type of floor surface; 2) the weight of the user; 3) how the user walks; 4) the presence of contaminants or chemicals. Q: Can ErgoMates be cleaned? A: ErgoMates may need to be cleaned periodically. They can be hosed off or safely washed in any washing machine on a regular basis.

29 ErgoMates make matting mobile with 5 sizes available in black or white, fitting almost any footwear. G88103B XS ErgoMates Sizing for Shoes Sizing for Work boots Men - N/A Men - N/A Women Women G88903B Small ErgoMates Sizing for Shoes Sizing for Work boots Men Men Women Women G88803B Medium ErgoMates Sizing for Shoes Sizing for Work boots Men Men Women Women G88703B - Large ErgoMates Sizing for Shoes Sizing for Work boots Men Men Women Women G88603B XL ErgoMates Sizing for Shoes Sizing for Work boots Men Men Women - N/A Women - N/A *Specified color available upon request with a minimum order limit.