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Some time ago, the SDA was advised by Kmart that they planned to remove anti-fatigue mats from the front door greeting area, claiming it was a trip hazard. The SDA opposed this move by the company due to health and safety concerns raised by door greeters.

Standing on hard flooring for an extended period of time can be painful and cause injuries to the feet, legs and knees – especially without the correct footwear.

The SDA surveyed members who perform door greeting duties at Kmart about the anti-fatigue mats, and these were the results:

  • 35% of respondants are on door greeter duties for more than four hours, and 53% between two and four hours.
  • 35% of respondants are always on the door and have no rotation off duties.
  • 64% of respondants have NEVER received information or training from Kmart about wearing appropriate footwear.
  • 100% of respondants said there has NEVER been an issue in their store in relation to customers tripping on the anti fatigue mat.
  • 58% of respondants said they are currently suffering from leg, knee or foot pain.

Kmart has now taken this feedback on board, and cancelled their plans to remove anti-fatigue mats. This means that anti-fatigue mats should be available in stores for workers to use.

It’s important to remember that:

  • Kmart has a duty of care to consult with workers who are likely to be affected by a work health and safety matter, like removal of the anti-fatigue mats. You have the right to raise any concerns about the impact that the withdrawal of the anti-fatigue mats will have on your health and safety. Whether it’s a bad idea or not.
  • You can ask about what steps Kmart will take to monitor the health of you and your co-workers if the anti-fatigue mats are withdrawn.
  • Kmart has advised the SDA that appropriate footwear, rotations, stretching and staying hydrated are good ways to control the risks to health and safety if the anti-fatigue mats are no longer able to be used by store greeters. You are allowed to ask if Kmart will contribute to the cost of purchasing new footwear if it is needed and how the arrangements of rotations will work in practice.

by Matt Littleboy
Workplace Health and Safety Officer