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Ground Protection Mats, the benefits explained, plus 8 FAQ's

Protecting your site, access routes and reputation

Whether you're managing a construction site, planning a temporary event, or protecting sensitive ground from heavy equipment, surface damage can become a costly and messy issue. Ground protection mats provide a smart, reusable solution to keep your sites tidy, compliant and accessible.

In this guide, we’ll explain how different types of ground mats work, where to use them, and what to consider when choosing the right solution for your project.

What Are Ground Protection Mats Used For?

Ground mats are designed to:

  • Prevent rutting, churning, or sinking on soft or wet ground
  • Provide safer access routes for vehicles, equipment and pedestrians
  • Minimise reinstatement costs after project completion
  • Keep sites cleaner, more professional and easier to navigate

They’re commonly used in:

  • Construction and civil engineering
  • Events, festivals and temporary venues
  • Utilities and infrastructure projects
  • Landscaping and arboriculture
  • Outdoor industrial and maintenance work

Which Ground Protection Mat Should I Choose?

Heavy Duty Access - GroundTrak Pro Mats

For serious protection in tough environments, GroundTrak Pro mats are a robust choice.

  • Load-rated to 60 tonnes, ideal for heavy plant and repeated vehicle access
  • Made from 100% recyclable HDPE - strong, waterproof and chemical resistant
  • Dual-sided grip: 4-bar pedestrian side and 1-bar vehicle side
  • Lightweight design at 37.5kg, with integrated carry handles
  • Connectable using dedicated 2-prong or 4-prong galvanised fixings to create stable roadways, compounds or access paths

Need to cover a larger area? Our Galvanised Connectors offer a tool-free, secure interlocking system - making setup fast and hassle-free, even for complex layouts. Get in touch for help or advice.

Pedestrian Walkways - COBA SitePath Matting

If your focus is foot traffic, visibility and safety, COBA SitePath offers a convenient and eye-catching solution. A tried and tested solution from a leading floor safety brand.

  • 1m x 10m rolls in high-visibility yellow
  • Durable 2mm PVC with diamond grip pattern
  • Can be secured with tape or adhesive
  • Flexible to handle uneven or outdoor surfaces
  • Low profile helps prevent trip hazards on busy sites

Perfect for marking walkways in warehouses, on construction sites or during temporary setups.

Discreet Ground Care - GreenskeeperMAX Rubber Mats

Need to protect lawns or grassed areas without creating an eyesore? GreenskeeperMAX blends in with nature.

  • Rubber cellular design allows grass to grow through
  • Suitable for playgrounds, golf courses, pathways & events
  • Available in mats or long rolls, up to 23mm thick
  • Certified to EN 1177:2018 (fall height protection)
  • Offers traction on slopes and improves site safety underfoot

A great choice where subtlety, safety and soil retention matter.

Utility Spaces - GripForce Heavy-Duty Mats

For internal and external areas needing durability and drainage, GripForce Utility Mats get the job done.

  • Natural and recycled rubber for strength and flexibility
  • Textured anti-slip surface with honeycomb drainage holes
  • Great for wet areas, loading zones, mobile workstations
  • Available with bevelled edges (1.2m x 1.8m mat only)
  • Simple hose-down cleaning keeps them low-maintenance

Common Questions About Ground Protection Mats

Team Insight

“It’s surprising how often mats are an afterthought – but when you see the mess, damage or near-misses they prevent, it’s clear they should be part of the plan from day one. We’ve helped dozens of customers build effective layouts using GroundTrak Pro and the connector system – and the feedback is always the same: 'wish we’d done this sooner’.”

Gareth SeniorSenior Account Manager – SafetyBuyer

Let us help. From single mats to pallet loads, from compact walkways to vehicle routes, we’ve got the solutions. Get in touch to discuss your ground protection matting requirements today, call us on 0800 043 0161 or email sales@safetybuyer.com

This article is for informational purposes only. We recommend consulting relevant regulatory guidance and a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking action based on this content