Importance of Lighting in the Workplace

Effective lighting is crucial for the health and safety of everyone in the workplace. It aids in hazard avoidance and ensures safe operation.

Health Risks Associated with Poor Lighting

Poor lighting can lead to health issues such as eyestrain, migraines, headaches, and may contribute to Sick Building Syndrome symptoms like lethargy and poor concentration.

Legal Requirements and Responsibilities

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must ensure lighting is safe and does not pose health risks. Employees should be consulted on health and safety matters.

Managing Health and Safety Through Lighting

• Planning: Identify priorities, assess lighting design suitability, and anticipate future work conditions.
• Organisation: Provide training and equipment for safe lighting maintenance. Involve staff in health and safety planning and promotion.
• Control: Set and maintain realistic standards for lighting maintenance and ensure regular checks.
• Monitoring: Monitor compliance with set standards and review periodically to improve health and safety.
• Risk Assessment: Assess risks related to lighting arrangements and take action to mitigate them.

Key Considerations for Workplace Lighting

• Lighting should:
  • Allow hazard detection and risk assessment.
  • Be suitable for the environment and work type.
  • Provide sufficient illuminance and proper colour discrimination.
  • Avoid glare, flicker, stroboscopic effects, and veiling reflections.
  • Minimise differences in illuminance within areas.
  • Meet special individual needs and emergency lighting requirements.
  • Be safely positioned for maintenance and disposal.
  • Include natural light where possible, supplemented by artificial lighting as needed.
  • Consider anti-glare solutions for VDUs where applicable.