When you think of a commercial kitchen, you might think of a scaled-up version of your kitchen at home. But even though commercial kitchens are certainly larger than the average residential kitchen, there are plenty of other features and needs that make commercial kitchens unique.
Anti-fatigue mats
Each commercial kitchen is different, depending on the cuisine and style of food those inside are preparing. These kitchens often have separate stations for different types of cooking, such as baking and grilling stations. There are industrial versions of the same equipment you might cook with at home at each of these stations. Not only is this industrial equipment designed to process larger quantities of food, but it also tends to include safety features your home appliances may not have, such as safety shields and finger guards.
But the equipment isn’t the only safety risk in a commercial kitchen. Standing in one place for an extended period of time — an unavoidable daily task for employees in this type of work — can strain their backs, hips, legs, and feet. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) requires anti-fatigue mats be provided in commercial kitchens.
These nonslip, anti-fatigue commercial kitchen mats serve several purposes when it comes to employee safety. First, the thick padding creates a cushion between feet and floors, providing some relief from the strain that standing places on muscles and nerves. Additionally, these mats can prevent slip-related injuries, particularly in a workplace like a kitchen where employees commonly use and can easily spill liquids. If kneeling is necessary in any job position, thick rubber mats are also required to protect employees’ knees from direct contact with the floor.
Safety and comfort while standing isn’t just a requirement — it can also help boost employee morale. Comfortable employees tend to be more productive, experience fewer injuries, and request less time off.
What mats are right for your kitchen?
Ergonomically designed AbsorbentsOnline anti-fatigue floor mats and anti-fatigue kitchen mats are the perfect choices for those with commercial kitchens who employ workers in any positions that require standing for extended amounts of time. These mats are approved by the National Floor Safety Institute to reduce spinal compression, increase circulation, and mitigate fatigue as a result of standing. They’re lightweight and made from closed-cell nitrile rubber, so they won’t absorb spilled liquids. These anti-fatigue commercial kitchen mats are also treated with an antimicrobial compound to make them resistant to mildew, mold, and bacterial growth. Beveled edges reduce the risk of tripping and make it easy to roll carts over the mats. Each mat comes with a two-year guarantee and has an expected life span of up to eight years.
Mats come in sizes of 20 inches by 24 inches all the way up to 48 inches by 72 inches. If none of the available sizes suit your space, don’t worry: The experts at AbsorbentsOnline can create custom-sized mats to fit your commercial kitchen needs.
Need help selecting the right mats in the best sizes for your industrial kitchen? The professionals at AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.