Supplying Flashlights and Proper Lighting is Critical for Worker Safety
By: Jane Marsh, Contributor
Worker safety is – or should be – a top priority in the warehousing and distribution center space. Thankfully, modern sites are safer than ever thanks to new technologies and safety tools, including personal protective equipment (PPE).
For example, gloves, earplugs, eye protection, foot guards and the classic hard hat are critical types of PPE workers must wear to reduce the risk of physical injury, especially those that could be life-threatening. However, some companies fail to supply their employees with one essential safety element: the appropriate amount of lighting.
In this article, I will discuss proper lighting in industrial workspaces and how it can impact employee safety. It can have a significant impact on morale and productivity.
Lighting and Worker Safety
Any worker that performs physically demanding tasks in an industrial setting recognizes the importance of safety. Likewise, companies and managers often spend a lot of time and effort equipping and training employees on various types of PPE and safety procedures.
It might be unintentional, but even the most seasoned safety managers could overlook the importance of proper lighting and providing workers with sufficient products. Still, work areas with poor lighting can lead to reduced visibility, threatening the safety of workers and those around them.
The lack of ample lighting makes it increasingly challenging for people to spot potential hazards, which could increase their risk of injuries. For example, employees handling hazardous chemicals or power tools in a low-light setting could use them incorrectly, misread labels or risk other workers’ safety.
Other problems can occur as a result of improper lighting systems, such as:
- Glare
- Flickering lights
- Poorly distributed light
- Improper contrast
Poor lighting can impact the quality of work, especially in terms of tasks that require precision. It can also cause workers to suffer from eye discomfort, strain and headaches. Therefore, every industrial workplace should supply workers with task- and environment-appropriate lighting products to keep them safe and out of harm’s way.
Potential Lighting Products to Keep Workers Safe
Proper lighting can impact employee safety, morale and productivity. © JuYochi – stock.adobe.com
Companies can keep workers safe and save on equipment costs simultaneously with today’s modern lighting technologies, such as LEDs. For example, LED lights can last anywhere from six to 12 years before needing to be replaced, so safety managers can avoid using up their limited PPE budgets on frequent replacements.
Another example is using new and improved flashlights, especially in confined spaces. Some flashlights rely on USB rechargeable batteries, while others are powered by solar energy, the most prominent renewable energy source on the market.
Most people associate solar power with panels installed on residential or commercial roofs. These are growing more popular, but other solar energy lighting solutions are increasingly used in the industrial sector.
Popular brands of commercial solar lighting products include:
- Wanco Inc.
- SEPCO Solar
- Luxman Light
- Sol by Sunna Design
- Solar Illuminations
There’s a strong business case to make regarding worker safety. According to OSHA, employers often notice higher productivity levels and increased profitability after implementing positive, effective safety measures.
However, more injuries could occur if companies fail to equip workers with proper safety equipment, including lighting products. Injuries can lead to increased absenteeism rates, which results in higher costs for the organization.
Improve Worker Safety with Appropriate Lighting
The importance of proper lighting to ensure worker safety cannot be overstated. Companies should supply workers with the necessary equipment, so no one is injured due to poor lighting. Investments in this area can result in higher productivity because workers can see what they’re doing and perform their jobs with confidence. This will lead to happier employees who don’t have to worry so much about being hurt and work and much more confidence in their employers. WMHS
Jane Marsh covers topics in green technology and manufacturing. She also works as the Editor-in-Chief of environment.co. For information about renewable energy and energy usage, visit: https://environment.co/renewable-energy-construction/
