Organizations everywhere are making big moves to help improve the health and well-being of employees returning to work. However, decision-makers may be overlooking the role that lighting plays in a workplace setting.
In the Warehouse
Poor lighting levels in your warehouse and flicker from traditional lighting causes a list of health issues: headaches, fatigue, eye strain — all of these are hugely detrimental for employees who are already functioning in a high-risk workplace. LED lighting is flicker-free and helps mitigate these health issues; in turn, employees take fewer sick days, are less prone to burnout, and are more efficient and productive overall. Switching to LED lighting can create lighting in your warehouse that’s very similar to natural light.
All the warehouse equipment training in the world won’t stop an accident if the lighting in your warehouse facility is poor or too dim. Aisles are tight, and workers are constantly moving around the warehouse transporting inventory. Equipment operators and forklift drivers can easily hit shelving, piles of pallets, or even other employees without the proper lighting in place. LED lighting can offer visibility for operators to make quick reactions that avoid dangerous accidents.
In Healthcare
It’s not easy to just switch off the lights in healthcare facilities when you leave a room — think about how many areas of a hospital must be illuminated 24/7 for safety and compliance reasons. As many healthcare facilities and hospitals are looking for ways to decrease spending and support sustainable initiatives, LED lighting seems like a natural choice.
There are two ways lighting can impact the human body — either visually or physiologically. Pre-existing conditions or illnesses can lead to decreased vision, which could increase the potential for dangerous slip-and-fall accidents. Additionally, flicker from traditional lighting could increase employees’ sensitivity and is tied to fatigue or obstructed vision that may directly impact the care they provide. LED lighting can offer optimal lighting and even help reduce facility liability.
LED fixtures can reduce health risks as well. Studies show that incandescent and fluorescent lighting can emit harmful UV rays: “Increased use of fluorescent lighting as a climate change mitigation strategy may increase eye disease.” This traditional lighting also contains the toxin mercury, which can be released if a bulb breaks and requires an extensive and complex clean-up process to avoid exposure.
In Education
Hands-down, the most significant benefit of LED lighting in schools is that they have been proven time and again to help improve academic performance. LEDs are customizable and dimmable and can imitate natural light, which improves concentration and creates a better learning environment. Scientists have also uncovered that LEDs can support the development of cognitive skills and decrease student error.
For students and staff that already have vision or learning challenges, the flicker and glare of traditional lighting can be a distraction at best and a health hazard at worst. Too much exposure can also cause behavioral issues, lack of concentration, and increased hyperactivity in the school setting. LEDs offer continuous light streams without flickers and glare and won’t give off harmful radiation like incandescent and fluorescent lighting.
Work With Experienced Professionals
When it comes to upgrading to LED lighting to help improve workplace well-being, the answer shouldn’t be if – it should be when. The best way to get proper ROI is by working closely with a distributor with experience. Our team is proud to work with you to find the best industrial lighting solutions for your needs. We help you save money, get rebates, use less energy, and find the perfect industrial lighting solutions. Contact us today to discuss a LED lighting upgrade!