Influence of smart materials mats on the biomechanical worker behaviour: a numerical approach

R. Taiar, T. Ahram, N. Gardan, A. Schneider, E. Abdi, X. Chiementin

Abstract: In many industries, employees work while standing, walking and/or carrying loads. Experts agree that anti-fatigue mats can significantly improve productivity and employees’ satisfaction while reducing absenteeism and chronic illnesses related to long term standing. Although the outcome of studies in favour of using mats is perfectly clear, the effectiveness remains subject to the perception of workers. Taking the existing research on mats to the next level, this study demonstrates how the material and design of the mat affects the level of comfort especially for varying weights. This study also compares standing in place for long periods to walking up and down. Using numerical modelling to illustrate how the force (weight) of the standing worker is distributed over the anti-fatigue mat, this study demonstrates how the weight distribution on the mat was influenced by such factors as the types of material, composition, density, the surface pattern and the engineering of the product.

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.31, No.2 (2017), 28-33

Keywords: Biomechanics; daily life; ergonomics; mats; stress; workers

Date published: 2017-10-27