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).

If your workplace uses:

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

In this article, we’ll unpack the science behind anti fatigue mats — so you can make informed decisions about workplace design and risk management.

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 for standing 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

Over time, these benefits contribute to lower MSD risk.

Scientific Evidence: What the Research Shows

Several key studies have examined the relationship between anti fatigue mat use and musculoskeletal outcomes.

1️⃣ Winberg et al. (2022), Applied Ergonomics

• Participants who developed lower back pain when standing on hard floors experienced ~50% reduction in pain when using anti fatigue mats.
• Increased postural sway and dynamic standing were observed — key factors in reducing static fatigue.

2️⃣ Ünver & Orğan (2023), Applied Ergonomics

• Surgical team members standing on anti fatigue mats reported significant reductions in foot, leg and lower back discomfort during long procedures.

3️⃣ Speed et al. (2018), Applied Ergonomics

• Systematic review found a moderate level of evidence that anti fatigue mats reduce discomfort and fatigue in standing workers.
• Studies showed improvements in leg comfort, low back comfort and overall fatigue levels.

4️⃣ King (2002), Applied Ergonomics

• Anti fatigue mats outperformed shoe insoles in delaying onset of discomfort during standing tasks.

Do Anti Fatigue Mats "Prevent" MSDs?

Let’s be clear:

Anti fatigue mats do not "cure" existing musculoskeletal conditions. They are not a replacement for medical treatment or rehabilitation.

However — as part of a well-designed ergonomic workstation, anti fatigue mats help prevent the development of MSDs associated with prolonged standing.

They achieve this 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 risk.

Anti Fatigue Mats and Workplace WHS Compliance

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

Safe Work Australia

“Risk control measures may include engineering controls such as anti fatigue matting and work design to minimise standing duration.”

WorkSafe Victoria

• Recommends anti fatigue mats as part of a risk management approach to prolonged standing tasks.

ISO and BIFMA Standards

• International ergonomic standards (ISO 9241-5, ANSI/BIFMA G1) recognise the role of appropriate flooring in reducing MSD risk for standing workers.

UK HSE

• Strongly recommends cushioned flooring or anti fatigue mats in standing roles across public and private sectors.

Integrating Anti Fatigue Mats Into MSD Prevention Strategies

To maximise impact, anti fatigue mats should be integrated into a holistic MSD prevention program, including:

1️⃣ Workstation design

• Height adjustable desks to allow posture variation
• Adequate space for dynamic movement

2️⃣ Flooring and support

• High-quality anti fatigue mats in standing areas
• Supportive flooring surfaces where mats are impractical

3️⃣ Footwear

• Encourage use of supportive footwear — works synergistically with anti fatigue mats.

4️⃣ Task design and work rotation

• Minimise duration of static standing where possible
• Encourage breaks and movement throughout the day

5️⃣ Training and awareness

• Educate staff on best standing practices and correct use of anti fatigue mats.

Choosing the Right Anti Fatigue Mat for MSD Prevention

Not all mats are suitable for preventing MSDs.

Key features to look for:

• Correct thickness & firmness — ~15–20mm optimal balance.
• Beveled edges — prevents trip hazards.
• Anti-slip backing — critical for safety.
• Durable construction — withstands wear in high-use environments.
• Surface texture — supports dynamic standing.
• Appropriate size — covers full standing area comfortably.

Poor-quality mats (thin foam, non-beveled, prone to curling) can cause more harm than good.

Conclusion

Anti fatigue mat standing interventions are a proven way to reduce fatigue, improve comfort and lower MSD risk in standing roles across Australian workplaces.

They form a key part of WHS-compliant ergonomic design — and deliver benefits in both injury prevention and productivity.

If your staff perform prolonged standing tasks, anti fatigue mats should be standard equipment.

Explore our range of Anti-Fatigue Mats & Standing Desk Mats

Learn more about our Ergonomic Design Fit-Out Services

References

• Safe Work Australia
• WorkSafe Victoria
• Winberg et al. (2022), Applied Ergonomics