The
Process
One type of matting was installed throughout the manufacturing area to eliminate any deviation in test results. A
questionnaire assessed employees perceptions of their current work surface (i.e. concrete), overall level of fatigue
before and after work, and fatigue and discomfort in the legs and feet before and after work. Employees filled out the
questionnaire three times a week for two weeks before the matting was installed. After collecting that data, the matting
was installed. As a comparison, employees filled out the same questionnaires during a 12 month study.
The results of the “employee perception” were very clear. Participants felt considerably less fatigued before and after
work following the installation of anti-fatigue matting. In addition, the “at risk” areas of their bodies such as legs, feet
and lower back, were much less uncomfortable when anti-fatigue matting was used.
The study revealed a strong correlation between the use of anti-fatigue matting and productivity. Before the installation
of anti-fatigue matting, the rate of absenteeism and stress related injuries was very high. Post installation, reductions in
absenteeism and “lost time” injuries resulted in a significant gain in productivity.
Average
Absenteeism
Without Matting:
5.2%
With Matting:
4.0%
Injury
(lost time) Ratio
Without Matting:
> 3 per month
With Matting:
< 1 per month (better than
average in their industry)
By comparing the statistics of the 12 months prior to the study, to the study period itself, the conclusion was that the
installation of anti-fatigue matting resulted in an estimated 2.2% increase in productivity. It should be noted that the
Company had an established workforce and during the study period did not implement any other procedural changes
that might have affected productivity. |
