Good lighting at work is essential for safety, productivity and overall wellbeing. It enables staff to see hazards quickly and reduces the risk of accidents, while poor lighting can have a range of negative effects.
Inadequate or poorly maintained lighting often leads to increased slips, trips and falls, and it can also cause eyestrain, headaches and migraines. Over time, this contributes to reduced concentration and efficiency, and may even result in higher levels of absenteeism.
Legal Responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to ensure that workplace lighting is suitable and sufficient, in line with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Employees also have a responsibility to report any faulty or damaged lighting and to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.
As part of the risk assessment process, employers should carefully consider whether lighting levels are appropriate for each task and whether factors such as glare, flicker or shadows could present a risk to staff.
Key Lighting Hazards
There are several key hazards associated with workplace lighting that can compromise safety and health.
Insufficient light makes hazards harder to see and increases the risk of accidents, while glare from bare lamps, sunlight or reflective surfaces can cause discomfort and reduce visibility.
Flicker or stroboscopic effects from certain light sources may lead to fatigue or, in some cases, affect the way moving machinery is perceived, creating a serious risk.
Strong shadows can conceal hazards and make tasks more difficult, and in rare cases, radiation from certain lamps, such as ultraviolet or infrared, can pose a danger if the equipment is not properly filtered or maintained.
Good Practice Tips
Good practice in workplace lighting involves maintaining a balance between natural and artificial light to create a safe and comfortable environment. Glare should be avoided by using blinds, diffusers and by positioning lamps correctly, while lighting should be distributed evenly to prevent areas of shadow.
Where detailed tasks are carried out, local lighting should be provided to support accuracy and reduce strain. The choice of décor also plays a role, as light-coloured surfaces can help reflect light and improve overall brightness. Regular cleaning and maintenance of lamps is essential, since dirty or aged fittings can reduce light output by as much as 30%. In addition, emergency lighting must be tested and properly maintained to ensure that safe evacuation routes are available in the event of a power failure.
Minimum Recommended Lighting Levels
The Health and Safety Executive (HSG38) provides guidance on the minimum lighting levels required to ensure safety and comfort in the workplace. For circulation routes and areas where people are moving between spaces, lighting should not fall below 20 lux. In more demanding environments, such as construction areas, loading bays and spaces where rough work is undertaken, a minimum of 50 lux is recommended. General office spaces and areas used for routine tasks require at least 200 lux to support safe and efficient working conditions. For tasks that involve fine detail, such as drawing, electronics assembly or textile work, the recommended level rises to 500 lux. To place these figures in context, a bright summer’s day outdoors can exceed 10,000 lux, highlighting the significant difference between natural daylight and typical workplace lighting requirements.
Movement areas and corridors
- Minimum Lighting Level: 20 lux
Construction zones, loading bays, rough work
- Minimum Lighting Level: 50 lux
Offices and general tasks
- Minimum Lighting Level: 200 lux
Detailed work (drawing, electronics, textiles)
- Minimum Lighting Level: 500 lux
Bright summer’s day outdoors (for comparison)
- Minimum Lighting Level: 10,000+ lux
What You Should Do
To maintain safe and effective lighting in the workplace, employers should review lighting arrangements as part of their regular risk assessments. It is important to record and act on staff feedback, particularly if employees report issues such as glare, eyestrain or headaches.
A planned schedule for cleaning and replacing lamps should be put in place to ensure lighting levels remain consistent, as dirty or ageing fittings can significantly reduce output.
In addition, emergency lighting must be tested in line with BS 5266 to provide assurance that safe evacuation routes will be available in the event of an emergency.
Need Support?
If you need further guidance on lighting at work, please feel free to contact our dedicated advice line on 033 33 215 005 or email websiteenquiries@wirehouse-es.com.
