Complex demands are placed on the design of effective workplace lighting, depending on the task and use of the space. Lighting design is crucial to ensure that the requirements for health and safety in the workplace, adequate vision, well-being, and non-visual effects are met as comprehensively as possible.
Adequate daylighting improves visibility, enabling employees to navigate their surroundings with greater ease and awareness. Enhanced visibility decreases the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which are among the most common workplace accidents. Furthermore, exposure to daylight has been shown to regulate circadian rhythms, promoting alertness and reducing fatigue-related incidents.
Visual Comfort and Ergonomics
Proper lighting design prioritises visual comfort and ergonomics. Excessive glare or poorly distributed light can lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort, distracting employees and increasing the likelihood of mistakes or accidents. By ensuring that daylight is evenly distributed and effectively controlled, workplaces can minimise glare and create a more comfortable visual environment.
Health Benefits and Safety Implications
Beyond the immediate safety benefits of improved visibility and reduced accidents, regular exposure to daylight helps regulate sleep patterns, reducing fatigue and enhancing cognitive function [1] [2]. Well-rested, alert employees are less prone to errors and unsafe behaviours, further enhancing workplace safety.
Daylight also helps reduce stress levels and boosts morale. Employees who feel mentally and emotionally well are more likely to remain vigilant and attentive to safety protocols, further reducing the risk of accidents.
Compliance with Safety Standards
Workplaces must also ensure that their lighting design complies with relevant health and safety standards. Regulations often specify minimum lighting levels for various tasks and work environments. By integrating daylight into lighting design, employers can more easily meet these standards while reducing their energy bills and reaping the additional benefits associated with daylight.
Rooflights enable designers to incorporate daylight into the workplace design, enhancing the workers safety and well-being.
[1] Known Psychological Benefits of Daylight – Eurolux Blog
[2] Amazing Physiological Benefits of Daylight – Eurolux Blog
