You would have been troubled at least once due to poor lighting, haven’t you? I have. It is no secret that there are effects of poor lighting at workplace or home on human health.
What is poor lighting
Poor lighting refers to inadequate or insufficient illumination in a given space. It can result from various factors, including insufficient light sources, improper placement of lights, or the use of low-quality or outdated lighting fixtures.
When it comes to poor lighting, it is not only the low light level that affects, but there are many factors that are equal contributors to poor lighting.
Following
are some of the contributors to poor lighting;
Insufficient
light/illumination
Poor distribution
of light
Improper contrast
Glare
Flicker
Blindspot
Thermal heating
Each
of these can affect us on both mental and physical levels. Yes it does.
You would be very well aware of the physical effect poor lighting can have on us. I was made aware about the physical effects poor lighting can have since a young age by my elders. I guess we all are and to find out more about the various effects it can pose, continue reading.
How to Avoid Effects of Poor Lighting at Workplace? See below:
Add more lamps for Poor Lighting Solution
To
increase light intensity in office or home we can increase the number of lamps
/ bulbs to tackle poor lighting. We can use LED bulbs to control electricity bills.
Rearrange the desks
In case of wrong place where extra lighting is not possible
you can move to a place in your office or home where light is brighter. Please
do not place light source just behind the worker.
Ever wondered how to measure the exact brightness of your light sources? It’s easier than you think. Uncover the secrets with our Lux & Illuminance Calculators.
Reduce Lighting in case of Glares
Identify the source of Glare and change the position of it. If it is due to light source the change the position or place of the power source. If it is because of anything shiny then we can coat with matte or change the angle of the reflector. We can also use Glare reduction Glass to reduce glares.
Paint your home or office with light colour so that you can
get maximum reflection of existing light. Lighter shades also make you feel the
room bigger.
Make Windows Bigger
If you have small windows then make them bigger. This will not only save your electricity bills but also improve the airflow or air circulation in your home or office.
Proper
lighting at workplace is essential. It can turn out to be safety or health
hazard as well.
Here
is a list of some prominent effects of poor lighting in the workplace can have
on us;
Eye strain due to Poor Lighting
Poor
lighting usually leaves the person with eye strain. Eye strain is a very
uncomfortable feeling. It can also get linked up with other eye related
problems. If one spends more time working in poor lighting, the quality of his
vision may start to deteriorate. Also most of the workplaces involve working
with computers. This with poor lighting will definitely result in eye strain
and eventually deteriorate eye vision.
To avoid eye strain due to poor lighting, one can set the contrast and brightness of the computer screen to his comfort level and make use of desk lamps to ensure proper lighting. If possible one can also shift his table near the window to receive natural light on his work table.
This one of the common effect of Poor lighting at workplace. Working with poor lighting might leave one with headaches, as one has a trouble focusing on the computer screen or on the work in front of them. Headaches will prevent you from being effective at work, thus reducing your efficiency.
To
avoid headaches due to poor lighting, one can also make use of desk lamps or
computer lamp to bright up the work table area, but before doing so the reasons
for poor lighting must be checked and accordingly actions should be taken.
Posture
Painful
back and neck are a result of poor lighting. Poor lighting usually makes you
sit in an uncomfortable position while working. The pain in the back and neck
can fade away with the use of stretching and yoga, but ensuring proper lighting
systems will help you eliminate the cause.
Low levels of productivity
Accuracy
during work depends upon light. Poor lighting can result in high chances of
human errors. Low accuracy equals to low efficiency which thus has a direct
impact on the productivity.
Accidents
This is very dangerous effect of Poor Lighting at Workplace among all. In poor light it becomes difficult to estimate shape, size or depth of space or objects. It thus becomes a place where accidents of any type can occur. Due to this, many a times it is said “Poor lighting is safety and health hazard”.
General well bring
Coming down to mental effects poor lighting can have on us. Poor lighting in workspace tends to make employee feel sluggish, depressed, and stressful. It affects the concentration level and eventually has an effect on the satisfaction level one has from his current job. All these factors eventually have a negative toll on the business performance.
Impact on Quality of Sleep
Low lighting can have significant effects on the quality of sleep. When the bedroom or sleeping environment is dimly lit, it can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm and disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. This can lead to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing restful sleep. Low lighting can also cause eye strain and fatigue, making it harder to relax and drift off into a deep sleep. Additionally, inadequate lighting may contribute to increased feelings of anxiety or unease, further impacting sleep quality.
Yes, poor lighting can indeed be considered an ergonomic hazard. Ergonomics involves designing and arranging the workplace to fit the capabilities and limitations of the human body, promoting comfort, efficiency, and safety. Inadequate or improper lighting can strain the eyes and cause discomfort, leading to visual fatigue, headaches, and eyestrain.
This not only hampers productivity but also increases the risk of errors and accidents, as reduced visibility impacts the ability to perform tasks accurately. As an ergonomic hazard, poor lighting can negatively affect employees’ well-being, lead to physical discomfort, and compromise overall workplace safety and efficiency. Therefore, addressing lighting conditions is a crucial aspect of ensuring a comfortable and productive ergonomic environment.
Chronic Exposure to Poor Lighting Causes
Chronic exposure to poor lighting can have a range of adverse effects on health and well-being. Prolonged periods of inadequate lighting, such as dim or uneven illumination, can lead to persistent eyestrain, discomfort, and visual fatigue. Over time, this strain can contribute to more serious conditions like headaches, migraines, and even long-term vision problems.
Additionally, poor lighting can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, affecting overall sleep quality and potentially leading to sleep disorders. This chronic exposure can also have indirect effects on mood, energy levels, and productivity, as individuals may feel less motivated and experience a decreased sense of alertness.
Addressing and improving lighting conditions is essential to mitigate these health risks associated with prolonged exposure to suboptimal lighting environments.
Importance of Good Lighting in the Workplace
Good lighting is of utmost importance in the workplace as it has a profound impact on various aspects of employee well-being and productivity. Adequate and well-designed lighting enhances visibility, reduces eye strain, and promotes a safe working environment by minimizing accidents and errors. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles, alertness, and overall physiological functions.
Moreover, proper lighting can positively influence mood, boost morale, and create a more comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, leading to increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, and better overall performance. By prioritizing good lighting in the workplace, employers can create an environment that fosters employee well-being, engagement, and success.
Proper lighting at workplace will help improve work efficiency. It creates a positive environment at work. To ensure proper lighting one can hire consultant or experts to perform light assessment. They will give you an idea about the current scenario at your workplace and aid in avoiding the various effects poor lighting can have by giving solutions to ensure good lighting.
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About the Author
Anil Shelke is the Executive Director at Perfect Pollucon Services with 30+ years of expertise in pollution control, environmental audits, hazardous waste management, and ISO 14001 implementation. He specializes in helping industries align with CPCB/SPCB regulations.
How does lighting affect mental health in the workplace?
Lighting plays a crucial role in mental health in the workplace. Insufficient or poor lighting can contribute to feelings of fatigue, decreased energy levels, and difficulty concentrating, which can negatively impact productivity and overall well-being. On the other hand, proper lighting that mimics natural daylight can promote a positive mood, enhance alertness, and improve cognitive performance, creating a more conducive and stimulating work environment. Therefore, ensuring appropriate lighting levels and quality in the workplace is essential for supporting employees’ mental health and optimizing their performance.
How does lighting affect employees?
Lighting has a significant impact on employees’ well-being and productivity. Proper lighting that provides adequate brightness, color temperature, and distribution can improve mood, reduce eye strain, enhance concentration, and promote a sense of comfort and well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and overall job performance.
What causes poor lighting?
Poor lighting can have various causes, including inadequate or outdated lighting fixtures, insufficient natural light, improper lighting design or placement, lack of maintenance, and the use of low-quality or mismatched light sources. These factors can result in insufficient illumination, uneven lighting distribution, glare, and color distortion, all of which contribute to poor lighting conditions.
What are the effects of low lighting?
Low lighting can have several effects, including reduced visibility, increased eyestrain and fatigue, decreased productivity, and a negative impact on mood and overall well-being. It can also impair task performance, create difficulties in reading or working with fine details, and contribute to feelings of drowsiness or lethargy.
What is an example of poor lighting?
An example of poor lighting is a workspace where the illumination levels are too dim to comfortably perform tasks without straining the eyes. This could include areas with flickering or inconsistent lighting, creating discomfort and hampering productivity.
Why is poor lighting a risk?
Poor lighting is a risk because it can lead to reduced visibility, eyestrain, and an increased likelihood of accidents, especially in workplaces and public areas. Additionally, it can negatively impact mood, well-being, and overall productivity, affecting both physical and mental health.
How can poor lighting be prevented?
To prevent poor lighting, ensure adequate and uniform illumination in indoor spaces by using appropriate light fixtures and bulbs. Conduct regular maintenance to replace faulty or flickering lights and consider incorporating natural light sources and task-specific lighting solutions for optimal visibility and comfort.
