How is the lighting in your workplace? You may not realize it, but a lack of adequate lighting in your workplace can be affecting productivity, health, and safety. Lighting is one of the workplace safety topics people may forget about, especially since there are so many other safety issues to consider, employees to manage, maintenance to complete, and production quotas to hit. Protective lighting makes all work tasks easier, especially in industrial settings. In this article, we will discuss the importance of good lighting in the workplace and the impact of lighting on workplace safety and productivity.
Importance of Good Lighting in the Workplace
Human perception is extremely influenced by lighting. In industrial contexts, lighting directly influences workers’ perception, productivity, and mood. Good lighting in the workplace is important for employers and employees. In fact, a study published in 2018 in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics found that worker performance improved under higher illumination levels. And in an industrial setting, proper illumination helps workers recognize objects and interpret visual stimuli. This is extremely important in active workplaces like warehouses and factories. Whether it’s an industrial or office setting, proper lighting makes work tasks easier and safer.
Benefits of Adequate Light in the Workplace
There are many benefits of ensuring you have protective light in any type of workplace.
Good Lighting Boosts Workplace Productivity
Studies have shown that workplace lighting plays an important role in employee productivity and mood. Well-lit environments result in happier and more energized workers, while poorly-lit workplaces can result in lowered energy levels and productivity – even feelings of depression.
Good Lighting Improves Health in the Workplace
The health of your employees is of the utmost importance. Appropriate lighting in the workplace can reduce eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. However, be cautious of too much light. Lights that are too bright in the workplace can lead to other issues, like glare headaches and stress.
Good Lighting Increases Workplace Safety
In industrial settings, the role of good lighting goes far beyond just productivity, health, and mood. Poor lighting is a common cause of industrial accidents. Quality lighting reduces the chances of accidents and injuries in the workplace, like tripping, falling, and mishandling of tools and machinery.
Good Lighting Meets OSHA Regulations
Ensuring that you have adequate lighting in your workplace is not optional. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has guidelines for how much light is required in different types of workplace areas, from warehouses to equipment rooms to carpentry shops. It is important to comply with OSHA regulations to create a well-lit, safe, and productive work environment. OSHA’s guidelines are measured in lumens per square foot. If your light equipment is not enough for employees to see clearly, your business could be subject to OSHA violations.
Types of Protective Lighting in the Workplace
High Bay Lights
High bay lights are ideal for large and/or high workplaces like factories and warehouses. They are installed 20 feet or higher above the ground in order to light a large area.
Low Bay Lights
Low bay lights, on the other hand, are better for industrial areas with ceilings lower than 20 feet. They ensure light is well-distributed. Low bay lights are ideal for industrial facilities with production lines and assembly areas.
Flood Lights
A flood light casts a broad light beam over a wide area. Flood lights are typically used for outdoor construction sites or mining operations.
Task Lights
Task lights are focused on certain areas where detailed or specific tasks are being performed. A task light can be installed in a workstation in order to lessen eye strain, increase productivity, and improve the quality of work.
Outdoor Lights
While good lighting inside the workplace is of high importance, don’t neglect the lighting outside of your workplace. Ensure that you have floodlights throughout your outdoor spaces and parking lots to allow employees to drive and navigate vehicles and other equipment safely at night.
Emergency Lights and Exit Lights
Emergency lights and exit lights are necessary in every workplace. Exit lights and pathway lights can lead employees out of your facility safely if there is a fire, power outage, or some other emergency.
Hazardous Lights
Hazardous lighting, also referred to as explosion-proof lighting, is an important safety feature in any workplace where flammable gasses, dusts, or vapors are present. These special lights are manufactured to stand up to extreme temperatures and conditions.
How to Choose the Right Light Equipment for Your Workplace
It is important to choose the right light equipment for your workplace. The first step is to understand your specific needs. Consider the brightness and color temperature of the light equipment you are considering. And evaluate the energy efficiency of your lighting choices. If you need help, consult a lighting professional, like Singer Safety.
Singer Safety Company Knows the Importance of Good Lighting
Good lighting in an industrial setting is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Singer Safety Company is the leader in industrial barrier protection products, including workplace lighting and light equipment. We are the best industrial safety equipment supplier. Contact us today at (773) 235-2100 or check out our website to see all of our workplace safety products.