Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders? The Science Explained

Standing at work might seem harmless — but for millions of Australian workers, prolonged standing contributes to fatigue, discomfort, and even musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

• Standing desks
• Customer service counters
• Laboratory benches
• Education administration desks
• Manufacturing or packing stations

...then standing fatigue is a risk you need to manage.

Anti-fatigue mats — including standing desk mats and fatigue mats — are often recommended. But do they really help prevent MSDs? What does the research say?

This article unpacks the science behind anti-fatigue mats — so you can make informed decisions about workplace design and risk management. For the broader business case and ROI benefits, see our Comprehensive Research Report on Anti-Fatigue Mats.

Why Prolonged Standing is a Musculoskeletal Risk

Australian and international research confirms that prolonged static standing on hard floors can lead to:

• Lower back pain
• Leg and foot fatigue
• Varicose veins
• Joint compression
• Muscle stiffness and soreness
• Increased risk of slips, trips and falls

These symptoms collectively contribute to work-related MSDs — the most common cause of workplace injury in Australia.

According to Safe Work Australia:

“Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common workplace injuries, accounting for approximately 30% of workers’ compensation claims.”

Standing still reduces the natural muscle pump action of the legs, causing blood pooling and fatigue. Meanwhile, static muscle contraction in the lower back and legs leads to stiffness and pain.

How Anti-Fatigue Mats Address MSD Risks

An anti-fatigue mat is purpose-designed to:

• Provide a slightly compressible surface
• Encourage subtle movements and weight shifts
• Stimulate muscle activity that improves circulation
• Distribute body weight more evenly across the feet
• Reduce heel strike and impact forces
• Minimise static postural loading on the lower back

The Result?

• Improved blood flow
• Reduced muscle fatigue
• Less lower back and leg pain
• Reduced cumulative strain on joints and tissues

Quick Comparison: MSD Risks With vs Without Mats

MSD Risk Factor	Without Mats	With Mats
Muscle fatigue	High — static contraction	Reduced — dynamic standing encouraged
Circulation	Restricted, venous pooling	Improved blood flow via subtle movement
Joint compression	Significant in knees, spine, hips	Lower compressive loading
MSD risk exposure	Elevated over time	Reduced with consistent use

Key takeaway: Anti-fatigue mats don’t “cure” injuries but reduce risk factors linked to the development of MSDs.

Scientific Evidence: What the Research Shows

1️⃣ Winberg et al. (2022), Applied Ergonomics

• Workers who developed lower back pain on hard floors saw a ~50% reduction in pain when mats were used.
• Mats increased postural sway and dynamic standing, lowering static fatigue risk.

2️⃣ Ünver & Orğan (2023), Applied Ergonomics

• Surgical teams using mats reported significant reductions in foot, leg and back discomfort.

3️⃣ Speed et al. (2018), Applied Ergonomics

• Systematic review showed moderate evidence that mats reduce discomfort and fatigue.
• Benefits included leg comfort, low back comfort and reduced fatigue levels.

4️⃣ King (2002), Applied Ergonomics

• Mats outperformed shoe insoles in delaying onset of discomfort during standing tasks.

For workplace selection advice, see 7 Key Features to Look For in an Anti-Fatigue Mat.

Do Anti-Fatigue Mats "Prevent" MSDs?

Anti-fatigue mats do not cure existing musculoskeletal conditions. They are not a substitute for treatment or rehab.

However, as part of an ergonomic workstation, anti-fatigue mats help prevent the development of MSDs linked to prolonged standing by:

✅ Reducing cumulative strain on lower limb and back muscles

✅ Improving circulation to prevent venous pooling

✅ Promoting movement and dynamic standing

✅ Reducing compressive loading on joints

In hierarchy of controls terms: anti-fatigue mats are an engineering control that modifies the work environment to reduce MSD risk.

Anti-Fatigue Mats and Workplace WHS Compliance

Australian WHS regulators recognise standing fatigue as a hazard that must be addressed.

• Safe Work Australia: Recommends engineering controls such as anti-fatigue mats.
• WorkSafe Victoria: Lists mats as a risk management measure for prolonged standing.
• ISO 9241-5 & ANSI/BIFMA G1: Endorse supportive flooring in ergonomic standards.
• UK HSE: Strongly recommends mats in standing roles across public and private sectors.

Integrating Mats Into MSD Prevention Strategies

1. Workstation design: Use sit-stand desks for posture variation.
2. Flooring and support: Deploy high-quality mats in all standing zones.
3. Footwear: Encourage supportive shoes alongside mats.
4. Task design: Rotate tasks and avoid long static standing blocks.
5. Training: Teach staff correct standing practices and mat use.

Choosing the Right Anti-Fatigue Mat for MSD Prevention

See our detailed guide: 7 Key Features to Look For in an Anti-Fatigue Mat.

• Correct thickness (~15–20mm)
• Bevelled edges to reduce trip hazards
• Anti-slip base and top surface
• Durable construction for heavy use
• Surface texture that encourages subtle movement
• Appropriate size for workstation setup

Pair with drafting stools in labs and education spaces for posture variety.

Conclusion

Anti-fatigue mats are a proven way to reduce fatigue, improve comfort and lower MSD risk in standing roles across Australian workplaces. They are a key part of WHS-compliant ergonomic design — delivering benefits in both prevention and productivity.

Explore our Anti-Fatigue Mats & Standing Desk Mats

Learn more about our Ergonomic Fit-Out Services

Curious where this is heading? See Future Trends in Smart Anti-Fatigue Mats.

References

• Safe Work Australia
• WorkSafe Victoria
• Winberg et al. (2022), Applied Ergonomics
• Ünver & Orğan (2023), Applied Ergonomics
• Speed et al. (2018), Applied Ergonomics
• King (2002), Applied Ergonomics