Ergonomics of Task Lighting

Vision accounts for greater than 80% of human perception.

66 million people are effected by Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and 91% of computer users experience eyestrain due to poor lighting conditions. Ergonomic task lighting is key to achieving workplace productivity, user control and visual comfort.

​Workplace productivity

​

​Two of the more common complaints from employees in a working environment regard room temperature and the amount of light. Often ambient light levels are too high and task light levels too low. Employees experience glare from lightsources and computer screens which can lead to unwanted aches, pains and eyestrain. In order to maximize workplace productivity, minimize turnover and increase loyalty from employees, it is essential to provide adjustable task lighting at every workspace.​

​Control

​

People have different needs depending on their age and the type of work they do. For example, reading requires more light than computer work, and a 60 year old requires more light than a 20 year old. Modern, ergonomically-designed task lights with complete arm flexibility and controls such as dimming, allow for individual light adjustment and give users control of their workspace. Additional lighting controls such as auto shut-off and PIR sensors provide additional control as well as energy-savings.

​​Visual comfort

​

Vision “controls” the positioning of the body to obtain optimal viewing conditions. Improper lighting causes eyestrain and undermines the benefits of other ergonomic products within a workspace. Optimal workspace lighting is achieved as ergonomically-designed asymmetric task lights distribute light evenly, across the entire work area, reducing the risk of glare and reflections.

An ergonomic task light:

  • produces enough light to illuminate an entire workspace
  • casts light over the length of the workspace minimizing glare
  • is positioned outside of the immediate work area
  • does not strain the eyes
  • reduces tension on the neck and back that often results from sitting incorrectly in order to see well
  • allows for individual adjustment
  • improves well-being, productivity and job satisfaction