Lighting Matters in Industrial Environments: A Framework Linking Workplace Safety to Lighting Quality Metrics

Lighting affects human performance and, therefore, safety in industrial environments. Recent developments in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting technology offer an opportunity for a scientific evaluation of the quality of light in industrial spaces. For this article, the possibility of reducing the risk of key causes of occupational hazards through the effective application of lighting was evaluated. Vision science research was reviewed to identify mechanisms that could improve object detection, supra threshold visual performance, and response time. Metrics to quantify these mechanisms-i.e., small target visibility (STV), relative visual performance (RVP), mesopic luminance, and luminaire system application efficacy (LSAE)-were reviewed and applied in the context of industrial lighting installations. The results indicated the potential to harness new lighting technology to enhance visual task performance and thereby improve safety and productivity. Lighting is also related to the fatigue of industrial workers. It could influence fatigue by degrading the sleep quality of night-shift workers, causing visual discomfort and creating a negative perception of the environment. A review of research, simulations, and calculations led the authors to develop a framework that links occupational injury incidents to lighting quality metrics for industrial environments. This framework needs to be validated using field studies that are designed based on this research. In this period of technological transition, facility managers can use this study to benchmark lighting technologies and installations for safety. This article presents value propositions that a versatile and controllable source such as LEDs could offer to industries.