Workplace Lighting

Workplace lighting refers to the total amount of light that is available in the work area. Lighting levels may consist of both natural lighting (sunlight) and artificial light sources (electric lights). It is important that the total amount of lighting available is adequate at all times.

Hazards

Inadequate lighting levels have the ability to increase the chance or likelihood of accidents or injuries occurring in a number of ways, including:

Hazard Identification
Situations with the potential to cause harm are harder to spot when lighting in the work are is poor. Hazards in well-lit areas are easier to see.

Eye Strain
Poorly or dimly lit areas can contribute to eye strain.

Manual Handling
The likelihood of slips, trips and falls can all be contributed to by poor lighting levels.

Planning and Assessment of Risks

Consideration needs to be given to:

• The effectiveness/adequacy of existing lighting levels.
• The use of temporary “task” lighting to supplement background levels.

Safe Work Practices

• Avoid entering areas without adequate lighting. Enough light needs to be present to identify all physical characteristics of the area.
• Good levels of lighting help prevent eye strain and manual handling injuries.

STOP DANGER / STOP DEFECTS