How to Choose A Mat For Your Fast Food Kitchen

Mats are an essential component of any slip and fall prevention program Here are some key factors to consider when deciding on which mats to purchase/use.

PURPOSE: Mats used in the kitchen will generally serve three purposes, to deter slip and falls in normally wet areas, to deter slip and falls in normally dry areas, and to lessen employee fatigue. Similarly, if the mat states that it is grease resistant that would be an added benefit if using in front of a cooking station which one which was formulated for cold areas would be great for in the freezer. Once you know the purpose you can choose the mat that is best for the area where it will be placed.

CERTIFICATIONS: Just like the food industry uses “natural” and “gluten-free” to attract purchasers without there being a national standard or definition for those words, mat vendors will the often use key words to attract fast restaurants to purchase. However, the two words with the most impactful meanings are mats certified as “high traction” and “slip resistant” by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) as these are tested professionally and based upon a standard set of factors.

LIFE EXPECTANCY- Bad mats can wear easily and start to curl at edges or flip easily. A mat with a curling or fraying at the edge is just as dangerous as no mat at all. So any information the vendor can give you regarding mat life expectancy should also help to focus your decision making.

Not just having mats, but chosing the right mats will improve your fast food workers’ compensation safety program.