Importance of Adequate Lighting at a Workstation
Having sufficient and appropriate lighting in a work area or at one's workstation is important for a number of reasons. Proper lighting not only helps one see better while doing their work, but it can also help prevent health issues, improve productivity and create an overall better working environment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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A study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers in 1997 indicated that up to 68 percent of those who work in an office environment had concerns about lighting in their work area. Poor lighting ranked first or second in the list of issues that study participants felt needed to be addressed in their workplace.
Health Issues
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Improper lighting in a work environment can cause health-related issues. Eye strain was rated the No. 1 lighting-related ailment by a 1998 study performed by the Kensington Technology Group.
In addition to eye strain, inadequate lighting can cause fatigue, physical stress and headaches. One example of poor lighting having a detrimental effect on workers is how well the eyes adjust from looking at a computer screen then looking at paperwork. Sufficient and even lighting can reduce the impact of looking back and forth between different screens and papers.
Exposure to adequate light levels can boost melatonin production in the body, which can help relieve fatigue and improve a worker's mood.
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Productivity
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Poor lighting conditions can adversely affect workplace productivity as well. This lack of productivity can be caused by distractions due to lighting effects on vision and one's mood. It can also be caused by low or uneven lighting that makes it difficult to look at a computer screen or see what one is doing.
In 1986, a Reno, Nev., post office was studied after managers noticed productivity rose 6 percent after redoing the lighting system in the work room.
Safety
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The importance of proper lighting goes beyond productivity and health effects such as fatigue and eye strain. A poorly lit work area can cause accidents. Shadowy areas and glare can cause one to walk right into harm's way, leading to falls and other injuries.
Plan the workspace with lighting based on what tasks will be done in the workstation. For example, a chemist's workstation with poor lighting could result in misread labels or improper measurements.
Solutions
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Adequate lighting requires a little planning to be successful. Make full use of daylight coming in through windows, doors or skylights. Position workstations near windows and areas where natural sunlight pours in. Not only can this reduce energy costs, but it also creates a good working environment.
Paint workstation walls a light color, such as white or creams. The background behind a computer monitor or where the person is facing should be free of clutter to reduce distraction and eye fatigue. Place notes and bulletin boards behind the person or on side walls. Position some adjustable lights or offer switches to adjust lighting to reduce glare and shadows.
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