Enhancing Production Space Ergonomics with Optimal Flooring Solutions

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Ergonomics: A Key Concern for Industrial Workplaces

Ergonomics in the workplace prioritizes the comfort, safety, and well-being of employees. This highlights the importance of ergonomic flooring, as 17% of workplace accidents result from slips, trips, and falls (Workplace Accident Fund, Belgium). Additionally, 9 out of 10 occupational diseases stem from musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive stress on the job (INRS, France).

This concern is especially prominent in industrial environments. Industries like machining, assembly, production, and packaging often involve physically demanding tasks, noisy environments, exposure to vibrations, and repetitive motions. In the United States, 34% of all lost workdays are attributed to musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses linked to poor ergonomic conditions (Staples Corporate Resource Center).

To address these challenges, prioritizing ergonomic flooring solutions is essential. Manufacturing and comfort flooring options can significantly improve safety, reduce fatigue, and enhance the overall well-being of employees. Minimizing the physical strain of demanding tasks, these solutions help prevent workplace injuries while supporting productivity and efficiency.

How Ergonomic Flooring Impacts Workplace Comfort and Safety

To enhance working conditions, many measures focus on lighting, operator posture, workstation design, and equipment—including the flooring beneath employees' feet.

For workers who spend hours standing on production lines or performing dynamic, repetitive tasks like walking back and forth, the quality of the floor plays a significant role. Comfortable flooring can reduce muscle fatigue, alleviate stress, and lower the risk of workplace accidents. Whether performing static tasks, such as standing on an assembly line, or moving around a warehouse, ergonomic flooring solutions are essential for improving employee well-being.

Beyond ergonomics, industrial flooring must also meet practical requirements, such as withstanding heavy traffic, facilitating renovations in occupied spaces, resisting chemical exposure, and ensuring ease of cleaning and maintenance. Durable and versatile options, like comfort flooring and antifatigue flooring, address both ergonomic and operational needs.

So, what type of flooring is best to improve ergonomics at work? A biomechanical study by the LIBM (Interuniversity Laboratory of Motor Biology in France) evaluated the ergonomic benefits of vinyl flooring compared to "hard" floors, such as epoxy resin, tile, and concrete. The results highlight the importance of selecting the right manufacturing flooring to balance comfort, durability, and safety in industrial environments.

Choosing the Right Flooring to Enhance Workplace Ergonomics

A biomechanical study conducted by the LIBM (Interuniversity Laboratory of Motor Biology in France) explored the ergonomic advantages of different types of flooring, comparing vinyl options like Gerflor's GTI Max Connect with "hard" floors such as epoxy resin, tile, and concrete.

Participants in the study included men and women with an average age of 39 years and an average weight of 152 lbs. Using sensors, researchers analyzed the impact of various flooring materials on the human body during workplace activities.

The results demonstrated that Gerflor's GTI Technical Tiles offer a significant improvement in both perceived and actual comfort compared to hard flooring options.

Key Findings: Biomechanical Study Results

Muscle Effort

10% reduction in muscle strain

3% decrease in step frequency, reducing repetitive strain

Shocks and vibrations

15% of reduction of shocks and vibrations on the body when walking

Pressure on the knees

38% of reduction of pressure knees on the ground

Key Findings: Perceived Comfort Results

Perceived comfort

7.5% reduction of stress when walking (pressure and muscle activation)

15% reduction in perceived fatigue when walking

20% improvement in perceived comfort when walking

Improve accoustic confort at work

When we think of ergonomic flooring, we often focus on injury prevention, reducing fatigue, and improving physical comfort. However, ergonomically designed antifatigue flooring can also have sound-dampening effects, which are essential for creating a quieter, more comfortable work environment.

Noise levels play a significant role in workplace comfort and productivity. Excessive noise can lead to stress and decreased efficiency, making noise reduction a key consideration. Gerflor studied the impact of GTI tiles compared to "hard" flooring options in reducing workplace noise.

The findings reveal substantial noise reduction benefits with GTI tiles:

Reduction of cart rollers noise : -8db
Reduction of impact noise on the ground : -4db
Reduction of footsteps noise : -17db

These results demonstrate that GTI Technical Tiles not only help minimize workplace noise but also contribute to a safer, quieter, and more ergonomic environment for employees compared to “hard” floors.

Innovation award for ergonomics

Awarded by the IGR institut (Institut für Gesundheit und Ergonomie)

Prioritizing Safety: Ergonomics Starts with a Secure Workspace

While Gerflor's GTI Technical Tiles can play a significant role in creating a safer workspace, achieving a truly secure work environment requires a combination of thoughtful measures. Proper organization, clear visual cues, and proactive safety protocols all contribute to reducing workplace hazards.

GTI tiles help promote safety by making it easy to define zones within industrial areas. For example, you can use different tile colors to designate pedestrian walkways and separate them from areas with mechanical traffic. Safety logos can also be embedded directly into the tiles to provide constant reminders of potential hazards.

However, effective safety doesn’t end with ergonomic flooring. Employers should complement these solutions with other measures, such as:

Providing employees with ergonomic training and proper safety equipment.
Maintaining clean, clutter-free pathways.
Conducting regular safety audits to identify and address risks.

By implementing a broad workplace safety strategy and choosing Gerflor and its GTI tile for your industrial areas, you are opting for a well-studied solution that provides comfort and well-being at work for employees and secures your workspaces.

Discover our GTI technical tile.

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