You may not think that lighting and safety are that closely related but often accidents happen when lighting is poor. You should periodically review lighting in your shop or office so that workers can work in adequate light.

Here are some examples of using task-specific lighting:

• Screen glare is a common problem when working with computers. Glare can be reduced in a variety of ways; adjusting the monitor or with desk lamps, using soft white lights. Reducing glare contributes to workstation productivity.
• Storage and stairwells. Take a closer look in your storage areas where inventory is stacked on shelves that may be blocking light and bring light into those shadows.
• In servicing vehicles where there are tight places, portable LEDs are compact and offer brightness. Better lighting helps you see the working area better and reduces the potential for injury such as striking your hands on other objects.
• Pools of overhead light can distort perception of height and depth on walking surfaces that could lead to stumbling or tripping. Uneven brightness patterns can produce shadows or create the illusion of steps or edges where the light and shadow meet. In those areas, introduce additional light to make sure that the walking surface is more clearly defined.

Adding light often is simple and affordable. Such changes can help seasoned employees and even those who are younger. Additional safety tips can be found at RS SafetyTV and in the Safety Library, Aging in the Workplace section.

WR employs Rick Means as Director of Safety and Education, who is available to members to help draw up safety plans and suggest topics for safety meetings. Contact him at 360-943-9198, Ext. 118 or [email protected].