LED Lighting in the Workplace
Feb
26th
2018

LED Lighting in the Workplace

By oeo2018 • Feb 26th 2018

We have discussed LED lighting in different aspects of our social and professional structures. Specifically, we have looked into lighting in the steel and dairy industries. While these are certainly workplaces for many, we want to talk about less industrial workplaces which can benefit from LEDs in different ways.

 

These workplaces may be an office, shop, restaurant, bank or any indoor space which requires lighting to operate. This isn't to say that outdoor spaces can't benefit form LEDs also. They can, just in a different way to be covered in a different article.

 

Safety

 

The first reason LED lighting in the workplace can be of benefit to you and the staff who work there is safety. We don't simply mean it will stop you tripping over open desk drawers or falling down the fire escape.

 

According to OECD data, the average American in 2016 worked 1,783 hours per year. This is an average, including both part and full time workers. Working in an office which has little access to natural light has a known detrimental effect on human beings. It interrupts our circadian rhythms and non LEDs (such as compact florescent lights and metal halide bulbs) give off ultra violet and infrared light pollution, which can negatively impact on both our physical and mental well being.

 

With LED lighting in the workplace, the types of light can be controlled not only to suit the type of work being carried out, but also the time of day it occurs. The relatively pure blue light of LEDs has almost no UV pollution which is better for our bodies. LEDs will not completely stop our circadian rhythms being disturbed. Any light outwith the sun will have some effect on us. What they can do, is provide the right light at the right time

 

LEDs don't flicker as do CFLs, something which can cause great distress over time. This means workers are safer from light pollution and can sleep better at night. This has a knock on effect of improving the mental health of workers (to a degree at least).

 



 

Productivity

 

Another knock on effect of improved safety is making your workers more productive. They won't feel as tired, neglect tasks or overlook errors, which can cause great problems for any business. Stimulating the mood of your workers is a better business model. It means that they will be happier to come into work, happier to generate business and not slack due to light induced poor health.

 

Recent studies have gone to show that happy workers are more productive and efficient. This means an efficient office is a well lit office.

 

Profitability

 

If you are looking after an office and want to increase profitability as much as possible, it is not merely down to productivity. Officer managers often have to trim the fat to increase profitability and wasting money on light bulbs with little cost effectiveness and no durability is a major one. LED lighting is proven to last longer than CFLs and metal halides. They don't wane like florescent bulbs, while also being studier against damage.

 

With the extend lives of LED lighting, your workplace can be a healthier, happier and more productive place to be.