Industrial Lighting Safety, Can You See the Problem?

This paper demonstrates that an improved understanding of the industrial lighting environment, and the tasks that workers have to perform in these environments, may improve safety and health performance. It shows how occupational health & safety and the Illumination Engineering Society (IES) safe lighting conditions and standards are often misinterpreted or ignored and the effects this may have. The paper describes how industrial lighting systems are designed and built and maintained. Statistical data from actual work sites are discussed to illustrate the issues associated with poor lighting. Safety issues with regard to maintaining lighting systems are also explored. A case study involving many of the above elements are outlined. Conclusions and recommendations are presented to further the understanding of industrial lighting and safety