The risks associated with poor lighting in the workplace
Adequate lighting is extremely important in the context of work as it helps in carrying out our daily tasks. However, sometimes the planning and organization of lighting ends up being left in the background. This often results in poorly lit spaces.
When lighting levels are not adequate (too low, high or inconsistent), our ability to perform tasks safely is compromised. This jeopardizes the health and productivity of employees, and consequently the success of the business. In fact, the quantity, quality and accuracy of an employee's work will decrease significantly if lighting is inadequate.
Additionally, inappropriate lighting in a work area is extremely dangerous and can have serious consequences for your employees, namely:
When lighting levels are not adequate (too low, high or inconsistent), our ability to perform tasks safely is compromised. This jeopardizes the health and productivity of employees, and consequently the success of the business. In fact, the quantity, quality and accuracy of an employee's work will decrease significantly if lighting is inadequate.
Additionally, inappropriate lighting in a work area is extremely dangerous and can have serious consequences for your employees, namely:
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Bad posture
- Depression
- Work accidents
Without adequate lighting, it is difficult to perceive the depth, proximity and speed of objects and people around us. As a result, employees are more likely to fall, trip, slip or drop tools. This is particularly concerning when it comes to a factory, where tools, machines and products can have dangerous characteristics and accidents of this kind can effectively put the lives of employees at risk. In addition, inadequate lighting can make it difficult to locate materials and increase the time they are used, or tools and equipment in motion, reducing productivity.
In the case of an office, it is common for employees to complain of tired eyes, headaches, tension in the shoulders and back. All these symptoms may be the result of improper lighting, which results in a greater strain on the eyes and in the adoption of inappropriate body postures. In addition to annoying headaches, this can also affect employee productivity and lead to more errors at work.
Lighting levels must be established taking into account the workplace and the tasks that will be performed there. As a general guideline, the following list proposes suitable lighting levels for various types of tasks:
- Public spaces with dark environments - 30 lux
- Guidance for short temporary visits - 50 lux
- Workspaces where visual tasks are occasionally performed - 100 lux
- Performing high-contrast or large-scale visual tasks - 300 lux
- Performing medium-contrast or small-size visual tasks - 500 lux
- Performing low contrast or very small visual tasks - 1000 lux
*Modified from: IESNA Lighting Handbook. 9th ed. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, 2000. p. 10-13.
Therefore, when planning a workplace lighting system, it is important to consider employee safety and:
Therefore, when planning a workplace lighting system, it is important to consider employee safety and:
- Design cohesive lighting that avoids eye strain;
- Use a color temperature that promotes a sense of well-being and stimulates productivity;
- Design adequate emergency lighting;
- Check that the lighting is sufficient to avoid work accidents.
The health and well-being of your employees thanks you!
