As the U.S. industrial flooring market continues to grow steadily, a business’s choice of flooring remains critical—not just for operations, but for employee health. Concrete decks, for example, can put workers at a significant disadvantage for their physical well-being. These floor systems put more strain on workers’ bodies, resulting in unnecessary discomfort, pain, and even injuries. Let’s take a closer look at the ergonomic disadvantages of concrete and how ResinDek industrial flooring can address many of them.
The Heavy Toll of Concrete and Bar Grate
Research by Dr. Steve Lavender at Ohio State University’s Institute of Ergonomics found that workers on concrete or bar grate flooring experienced more tibial shock than those on ResinDek flooring. To put that physical strain into perspective, the impact of these surfaces is equivalent to carrying a heavy load all day:
- Concrete flooring: Adds the equivalent of an extra 12 pounds (5 kg) to the body.
- Bar grate flooring: Adds the equivalent of an extra 18 pounds (8 kg) to the body.
Because material handling and warehouse jobs are already physically demanding, this extra weight from flooring choices makes workers much more prone to injury. Not only does this put employees at risk, but it ultimately impacts the business’s bottom line through time off, workers’ compensation claims, and lost productivity.
Common Health Issues Associated with Concrete
The health problems associated with working or living on concrete flooring are well-documented. Spending a lot of time walking on concrete can harm the feet, legs, back, and the whole body—making it hard to do one’s job well or even function fully outside of work.
According to experts, concrete floor systems can cause or exacerbate:
- Lumbar strain and lower back pain
- Shin splints and stress fractures
- Knee pain and worsening arthritis symptoms
- Achilles tendonitis, bunions, and ingrown toenails
A Smarter, Ergonomic Alternative
To minimize the negative effects of walking on concrete, employees should wear proper footwear, stretch regularly, and rest when needed. However, employers can proactively preserve their team’s health by choosing alternatives to concrete.
ResinDek mezzanine floor systems offer several distinct advantages over traditional materials:
- Ergonomic Comfort: Significantly more comfortable for employees to walk and work on.
- Improved Safety: Reduces the risk of impact and strain injuries.
- High Durability: Engineered to withstand heavy industrial wear and tear.
- Better ROI: Highly cost-effective compared to both concrete and bar grate systems.
If you want to keep your employees in tip-top shape and keep your business thriving, it’s time to consider options other than concrete or bar grate. To learn how ResinDek flooring can meet your facility’s needs, contact us today.