Health and Safety Mats: A Critical Component of Workplace Safety in South Africa

Workplace safety is not only a moral obligation but a legal one in South Africa. Employers must create and maintain safe working environments that protect staff, visitors, and clients. While much attention is given to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), machinery safety, and emergency protocols, one often-overlooked element in workplace safety is the strategic use of health and safety mats.

From entranceways to industrial settings, health and safety mats are integral to minimising accidents, improving ergonomics, and maintaining hygiene. When properly selected and maintained, these mats contribute significantly to regulatory compliance and employee wellbeing.

The Legal Framework: South African Health & Safety Regulations

In South Africa, workplace safety is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 85 of 1993, which places responsibility on employers to ensure a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees. Section 8 of the OHSA mandates that employers must identify hazards, take preventative steps, and provide systems of work that are safe and without risk.

Additionally, industry-specific regulations such as the General Safety Regulations, Facilities Regulations, and Environmental Regulations for Workplaces provide detailed guidance on maintaining safe floors, entrances, and wet areas — directly relevant to the use of safety mats.

By integrating health and safety mats into your workplace environment, you not only reduce risks but also align with legal obligations as laid out by the Department of Employment and Labour.

The Role of Health and Safety Mats in the Workplace

People often don’t realise how much of a role mats play in daily workplace operations. From improving hygiene in commercial kitchens to reducing static in electronics factories, mats are functional safety tools found in nearly every work setting.

Here’s a breakdown of how various types of health and safety mats support compliance and contribute to a safer, more efficient workplace in South Africa:

1. Entrance Mats: Your First Line of Defence

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries globally, and South Africa is no exception. The OHSA requires employers to minimise risks of slipping, especially in areas exposed to wet weather or foot traffic.

Health and safety mats at entry points are crucial for trapping dirt, debris, and moisture before they can be spread across flooring. This prevents hazardous slip zones from forming, particularly during rainy seasons which are common in cities like Cape Town and Durban.

Rubber-backed entrance mats are especially popular for businesses in Johannesburg’s commercial sectors, where high foot traffic demands high-performance, absorbent matting solutions. These mats are designed to be anti-slip and easy to clean, blending safety with convenience.

2. Kitchen and Food Prep Mats: Hygiene Meets Safety

Commercial kitchens, restaurants, and catering services are legally obligated to maintain hygiene and minimise the risk of injury under both the OHSA and the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972.

Rubber health and safety mats used in these environments are built to drain water, oil, and food particles away from the surface, significantly reducing slip risks. The textured surfaces and anti-microbial properties help maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of bacteria — essential in food-safe zones.

Popular choices include grease-proof mats with anti-microbial technology, ideal for high-use areas like those found in hotel kitchens across the Western Cape or restaurant chains in Gauteng.

3. Wet Area Mats: Essential for Gyms, Pools & Spas

Facilities such as gyms, health clubs, and spas in South Africa — especially in tourist hubs like the Garden Route and Sun City — are responsible for ensuring floor surfaces are safe for barefoot use. The Environmental Regulations for Workplaces highlight the importance of clean and dry walking surfaces, particularly in wet environments.

Wet area mats are specifically designed to remain slip-resistant even when saturated. Made from antimicrobial rubber or PVC compounds, these mats allow water to drain efficiently and prevent puddles from forming. This reduces the risk of athlete’s foot, verrucas, and general slips, ensuring guest safety and legal compliance.

4. Anti-Static Mats: Protect People and Equipment

In manufacturing facilities, server rooms, and electronics repair shops across South Africa, anti-static health and safety mats are essential. These mats prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity, which can damage sensitive electronic components and pose safety hazards.

South African companies involved in electronics manufacturing or telecommunications must also comply with the Electrical Machinery Regulations under OHSA, which touch on static discharge control in certain environments. Anti-static mats help manage this by grounding static safely and protecting both employees and devices.

5. Anti-Fatigue Mats: Enhancing Comfort and Reducing Injury

In sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and laboratory research — particularly in Johannesburg and Pretoria — employees often stand for extended periods. Fatigue is a known contributor to workplace accidents, and the OHSA requires that job design minimise health risks related to posture and repetitive tasks.

Anti-fatigue mats provide a cushioning effect that promotes subtle movement in the legs and feet, encouraging better blood flow and reducing muscle strain. This leads to fewer musculoskeletal disorders, improved focus, and higher productivity. These mats are common in warehouses, production lines, and cashier stations, where long-standing work is routine.

Why South African Businesses Should Prioritise Health and Safety Mats

Failing to provide adequate matting in high-risk areas not only violates workplace safety laws in South Africa but could result in costly injury claims, downtime, or even penalties from the Department of Employment and Labour.

Here’s what businesses across sectors stand to gain by using health and safety mats:

• Legal compliance with OHSA and related health & safety legislation

• Lower incident rates, leading to fewer compensation claims and downtime

• Improved employee morale through greater comfort and safety

• Better hygiene in public and private spaces

• Enhanced brand perception, especially when mats are clean, branded, or well-maintained

Conclusion: Invest in Health and Safety Mats to Stay Compliant and Protect Lives

Whether you’re running a corporate office in Sandton, a retail store in Durban, or a food processing plant in Cape Town, integrating health and safety mats into your workplace is a smart, cost-effective way to meet legal obligations and protect your workforce.

By choosing the right mats for each area — entranceways, kitchens, wet zones, production floors — South African businesses can reduce hazards, enhance comfort, and demonstrate a serious commitment to health and safety.

If you’re ready to upgrade your workplace mats or need guidance on compliance with South African health and safety laws, now is the perfect time to invest in the right solutions.