Why Should Workplaces Use Dropped Object Prevention Mats?

Workplace safety is paramount, and attention to safety begins with the flooring you choose for your workplace. In industrial settings, dropped objects pose a safety concern, especially in areas with raised bridges and walkways overhead. In these situations, a dropped object prevention mat can help protect workers from the impact of dropped tools and other materials.

How a Dropped Object Prevention Mat Works

Dropped object prevention mats are used to line bridges and walkways in warehouses, factories, and other industrial settings. The matting fills in the large gaps that are present in these structures, preventing dropped tools from traveling through the bridges and walkways and potentially injuring other workers underneath.


While it’s important to practice other safety measures, such as attaching tools to tethers and having all workers wear hard hats while on site, these dropped object prevention mats can act as another safety measure to prevent accidents and help protect workers.

Reasons to Invest in a Dropped Object Prevention Mat

If your workplace has elevated walkways, a dropped object prevention mat is essential. Purchasing these mats may be an initial investment, but it’s an investment that can pay off in several ways.

Increased Worker Safety

In addition to preventing dropped tools and objects from falling through the walkways, these mats also provide valuable traction to help prevent slips and falls, helping to keep your workplace OSHA-compliant. The mats may reduce the risk of worker injuries from a fall, as well as the accidental dropping of objects that could occur.

A Practical Alternative to Less Effective Solutions

These mats are heavy-duty and designed to last. They’re a versatile alternative to more basic solutions like installing plywood on top of walkways. Plywood is slick when wet, plus it can quickly warp because of excessive moisture. It’s time- and labor-intensive to install and remove, and it can actually make a walkway more hazardous when exposed to the elements.

In contrast, dropped object prevention mats are designed for use in various settings, including when exposed to the elements. With surfaces that maximize traction and designs that promote water drainage and anti-fatigue, these mats are crafted with worker safety in mind. They’re a long-lasting investment in your workplace.

Financial Protection

That investment can pay off by maximizing safety and preventing potential business financial losses. By protecting your workers, you can help avoid workers’ compensation payouts and delays caused by understaffing. You can also avoid situations where you have to spend time and resources training new employees to fill shifts because staff can’t work due to a workplace injury. Investing in worker safety can help boost employee morale and may help your business attract and retain talented employees.

Additionally, in mechanical settings, a dropped object could damage your machinery and halt production, resulting in expensive repair costs and production delays that could harm your business reputation.

These mats are a relatively low-cost investment in your business operations, and they can give you peace of mind knowing you’ve made every effort to help prevent potential accidents and keep your workers safe.

The Top Dropped Object Prevention Mat Options at Greatmats

At Greatmats, we carry an excellent selection of dropped object prevention mats. We’ve highlighted some of our top choices to help you get started.

Firmagrip Industrial Matting

Firmagrip Industrial Matting can be installed on walkways to maximize traction and create a solid surface to prevent dropped objects from falling through. This matting is a non-porous PVC, and it features a diamond tread surface to maximize traction. The matting offers excellent drainage, and it’s resistant to oils, acids, and chemicals, so it’s suitable for use in many different settings. Additionally, the matting is ideal for small-wheeled traffic and material handling, making it an excellent choice for industrial and manufacturing settings.

Vynagrip Heavy Duty Industrial Matting

Vynagrip Heavy Duty Industrial Matting is another non-porous PVC mat, but it’s designed for the toughest environments. It’s resistant to chemicals, oils, and acids, and this matting can be used indoors or outdoors. The matting offers valuable anti-fatigue properties to maximize worker comfort, and it effectively drains liquids for workplace safety.

Vynagrip Plus Heavy Duty Industrial Matting

For the toughest environments, like warehouses, factories, and marine settings, the Vynagrip Plus Heavy Duty Industrial Matting offers supreme durability. This non-porous PVC is resistant to chemicals, oils, and acids, and it can be used indoors and outdoors. This matting is designed specifically for liquid hazards, and its diamond tread pattern helps maximize traction. Its two-layer grid structure can withstand low temperatures, and the grid design efficiently drains liquids.

Contact Greatmats Today

Don’t put off improving your workplace safety any longer. Contact Greatmats’ customer service team today. We’re happy to provide product samples and shipping quotes, so you can maximize worker safety and help protect your business. Our team can also answer any product questions you might have, helping you choose the matting that’s best for your business.