Latest news with #EU-OSHA


Euronews
19-07-2025
- Health
- Euronews
When is it too hot to work?
From Italy's farms to Germany's warehouses and beyond, soaring summer temperatures pose serious health risks to workers across Europe. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death, even hours or days later. The strain the body puts on itself trying to keep cool can also cause kidney problems and worsen heart disease, respiratory issues, and mental health. These risks came to the fore during brutal heatwaves earlier this summer, when a 51-year-old street cleaner in Barcelona collapsed and died hours after finishing her shift. Spanish authorities are investigating whether the heatwave caused her death. Unlike other environmental health hazards such as air pollution, there are no uniform rules on heat exposure for workers in the European Union, leaving member countries to make their own laws. But when is it actually too hot to work – and what can workers do to protect their health during heatwaves? Understand the risks High temperatures are not the only health risk during heatwaves. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is considered a better signal of heat stress for physically active workers because it takes into account heat, humidity, wind, and sunlight. The WBGT includes four threat levels: low, elevated, moderate, high, and extreme. Depending on the region, temperatures above 29 to 32 degrees Celsius are considered extreme threats to workers' wellbeing, raising the risk of heat illness significantly. Extreme heat is more dangerous for people working outside in physically demanding jobs, for example construction workers, agriculture workers, and emergency services. But indoor employees – including those who work in offices – can also face risks, particularly if they are in poorly cooled or ventilated buildings, according to EU-OSHA. Globally, extreme heat kills nearly 19,000 workers per year, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the EU has seen a 42 per cent increase in heat-related workplace deaths since 2000. Pay attention and take action Many people may not realise they are at risk of heat stress, particularly if they are young and otherwise fit, warned Alessandro Marinaccio, research director of the occupational and environmental epidemiology unit at the nonprofit National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) in Italy. 'There is a lack of awareness about the risk for the health of workers due to occupational exposure to extreme temperature,' Marinaccio told Euronews Health. His team developed a tool to map daily risk levels for workers in Italy, depending on how physically strenuous their job is and whether they work in the sun or the shade. Health experts say workers should also pay attention to their physical symptoms. 'Workers should be mindful of elements such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, fainting, and confusion,' said Ignacio Doreste, a senior advisor at the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which represents labour groups. If you are feeling symptoms of heat stress, stop working, drink water, remove unnecessary clothing, and sit down in a cool, shaded area. If you cannot cool down within 30 minutes, seek emergency medical care. Know your rights Several EU countries have rules to protect workers from heat stress, including Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy. In France, for example, employers must make fresh drinking water available to workers and adapt their workplaces and working hours to protect them from extreme heat. In parts of Italy, the government banned outdoor working during the hottest hours of the day during the last major heatwave in July. Generally, countries with heat-related laws set work limits of around 29 to 30 degrees Celsius for high-intensity work, 30 to 31 degrees for moderate work, and 31.5 to 32.5 degrees for light work, according to the ILO. The EU also mandates that employers protect workers' health and safety from occupational risks overall, though there is no specific legislation on heat stress. Across the EU, 'whenever a worker is facing a threat to his own physical integrity, they have the right not to work,' Doreste told Euronews Health. But 'enforcement is extremely needed,' he added, especially because 'diseases related to occupational heat are commonly underreported'. The ETUC has called for new laws to protect EU-based workers during heatwaves, including the right to medical examinations and the right to skip work without consequences if an employee believes working in extreme heat will put them at risk. If you are unsure about your rights during a heatwave, check your work contract or consult with your company representatives or trade union.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Industrial Floor Mats Market Size to Exceed US$ 2.9 Billion by 2035, Driven by Innovation in Anti-static and Chemical-resistant Flooring
The Industrial Floor Mats Market is growing due to increasing workplace safety regulations and demand for ergonomic solutions. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing drive market expansion. Key trends include anti-fatigue mats, slip-resistant surfaces, and sustainable materials for enhanced durability and comfort. Discover key trends, market segmentation, competitive landscape, and future prospects driving industry growth. Wilmington, Delaware, Transparency Market Research Inc. – , March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rising workplace safety regulations and increasing demand for ergonomic flooring solutions are driving market growth. The global industrial floor mats market was valued at US$ 1.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 2.9 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by stringent workplace safety regulations, rising demand for ergonomic solutions, and advancements in material technology. Leading players such as 3M Company, Cintas Corporation, and Wearwell LLC are focusing on product innovation and sustainability to enhance market reach. For detailed market insights, competitive analysis, and future forecasts, request a sample sample report PDF today- Overview Industrial floor mats play a crucial role in workplace safety, comfort, and productivity. These mats are extensively used in manufacturing, automotive, food processing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, logistics, and warehousing industries. Their primary function is to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, reduce worker fatigue, and comply with workplace safety regulations imposed by OSHA and EU-OSHA. Competitive Landscape & Key Players The industrial floor mats market is highly competitive, with a mix of established players and emerging manufacturers. Key Players in the Industrial Floor Mats Market 3M – Leading provider of industrial safety mats with a focus on durability and slip resistance. NoTrax – Specializing in ergonomic and anti-fatigue mats for industrial environments. Wearwell – Offering customizable matting solutions for hazardous workplaces. Crown Matting Technologies – Innovating in anti-slip and drainage mat solutions. Notrax Mats (Justrite Safety Group) – Leading in safety and electrical insulating mats. Apache Mills – Expanding sustainable mat production using recycled materials. Milliken & Company – Integrating antimicrobial and anti-static technologies in industrial mats. These companies are investing in research and development to introduce innovative products such as antimicrobial and oil-resistant mats, which are gaining traction in healthcare and industrial settings. Recent Developments February 2023: Wearwell launched its Smart Step anti-fatigue matting in the U.S., made of durable polyurethane to enhance worker productivity. November 2022: First Mats introduced hygienic anti-fatigue mats designed for sterile environments such as hospitals and food production facilities. March 2024: Endeavour Group partnered with Amorim Cork and Save Our Soles to launch ReCORK, a large-scale cork stopper recycling program for sustainable anti-fatigue mats. Key Market Drivers Stringent Workplace Safety Regulations Regulatory agencies worldwide are enforcing stringent workplace safety standards. OSHA reports that slip-and-fall accidents account for 25% of workplace injuries, leading to substantial financial losses. Employers are increasingly investing in anti-slip and shock-absorbing mats to comply with these regulations and reduce compensation claims. Rising Demand for Ergonomic and Anti-Fatigue Solutions Long hours of standing on hard surfaces can lead to lower back pain, foot fatigue, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Anti-fatigue mats help alleviate these issues, boosting worker productivity and reducing absenteeism. Companies are also exploring sensor-based mats that monitor posture and standing patterns to improve workplace ergonomics. Market Trends & Innovations 1. Sustainable & Recyclable Industrial Mats Adoption of eco-friendly rubber and biodegradable materials. Companies focusing on carbon-neutral manufacturing processes. 2. Smart & Sensor-Embedded Mats Integration of IoT-enabled mats for real-time safety monitoring. Pressure-sensitive mats for automated workplace hazard alerts. 3. Expansion of Online B2B Sales & E-Commerce Growth of direct-to-business online platforms for industrial mats. Increased use of customization tools for personalized mat orders. 4. Multi-Functional Mats for Harsh Environments Development of mats with anti-microbial, fire-resistant, and chemical-proof coatings. 5. Growth in Anti-Fatigue Mat Adoption Rising focus on employee well-being in high-footfall workplaces. Increase in demand from offices, factories, and healthcare facilities. The industrial floor mats market is experiencing steady growth, driven by safety compliance, ergonomic improvements, and material innovation. As industries prioritize worker well-being and operational efficiency, the demand for high-quality, sustainable, and smart industrial mats is expected to rise. Interested in market insights? Contact us for a detailed analysis and investment opportunities in the industrial floor mats industry! ♻️ Get Customized Insights & Analysis for Your Business Needs: Scope and Segmentation The Industrial Floor Mats Market is segmented by type, material, end-use industry, and region: By Type: Anti-Fatigue Mats (Dominating due to ergonomic benefits) Slip-Resistant Mats (Growing demand in high-risk workplaces) ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Mats (Essential for electronics and manufacturing industries) Specialty Mats (Customized solutions for food processing and medical facilities) By Material: Rubber (Most widely used due to durability and flexibility) Vinyl (Preferred for cost-effective and easy-to-clean solutions) Foam (Increasing adoption for ergonomic and cushioned support) By End-Use Industry: Manufacturing (Largest segment, prioritizing safety and worker comfort) Healthcare (Growing need for antimicrobial and hygienic mats) Automotive (High demand for oil-resistant and durable floor mats) Food Processing (Regulatory compliance driving investment in anti-slip and hygiene-focused mats) By Region: Region Market Share (%) Key Growth Factors North America 35% Strict safety regulations and industrial growth. Europe 30% High demand for anti-fatigue and ESD mats. Asia-Pacific 25% Expansion of manufacturing and logistics sectors. Rest of the World 10% Growing awareness and adoption in emerging markets. Industry Outlook As industries prioritize safety, hygiene, and worker well-being, the demand for high-performance industrial floor mats will continue to rise. Sustainable materials, smart technologies, and ergonomic solutions will define the next decade of market growth. The Industrial Floor Mats Market is expected to grow steadily, with innovations in material technology, smart safety solutions, and an increasing focus on workplace ergonomics driving demand. The rise in automation and industrial expansion further strengthens the market's potential. Buy This Premium Research Report Now to Get Detailed Analysis: Future Prospects- The industrial floor mats market is poised for steady growth over the next decade, driven by: Rising investments in workplace safety: Governments and organizations are prioritizing employee well-being, resulting in increased demand for high-quality mats. Technological advancements: Smart mats and ergonomic solutions will enhance worker efficiency and safety. Sustainability initiatives: The shift toward eco-friendly materials will shape future market trends. Expansion in emerging economies: Asia Pacific and Latin America will witness higher adoption rates due to rapid industrial growth. The industrial floor mats market is set to expand significantly, reaching US$ 2.9 billion by 2035. With a focus on safety, ergonomics, and sustainability, manufacturers are innovating to meet evolving industry demands. As regulatory compliance becomes more stringent, businesses investing in advanced floor mat solutions will gain a competitive edge in ensuring worker safety and productivity. Explore Latest Research Reports by Transparency Market Research: Magnetic Bearing Market: Estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2034 the Magnetic Bearing market is expected to reach US$ 3.6 Bn by the end of 2034. Electronically Commutated Motors Market: Estimated to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2034 the electronically commutated motors market is expected to reach US$ 11.8 Bn by the end of 2034. About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact: Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA – Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: Email: sales@ Follow Us: LinkedIn| Twitter| Blog | YouTubeSign in to access your portfolio