Good Office lighting improves health

A bright idea
The light used to illuminate our homes and workplaces is of a different frequency to sunlight. Ordinary incandescent light bulbs as well as fluorescent bulbs produce a yellow frequency of light. Although this is the brightest of the colours in the light spectrum and reaches the cones in our eyes quicker than other colours, it also causes the eye to contract causing low-grade stress on our bodies. “If possible, supplement artificial light with sunlight through a window or purchase a daylight globe, a lighting option which emulates natural light,” says Poyurs.

New generation fluorescent bulbs use 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
One study shows that some individuals experience headaches because of the light ripple caused by the 50-Hz power supply of fluorescent lamps which are operated on magnetic ballasts. However, fluorescent lamps running on modern high-frequency electronic ballasts operate at around 30 kHz and do not exhibit flicker or ripple phenomena, significantly decreasing the amount of headaches.

Another lighting alternative to consider is halogen lights which produce one of the brightest lights and can be used in areas where maximum illumination is required.

Dream screen
We’re spending more and more time in front of screens – whether they are televisions, computer monitors, cellphones or other devices. Ensure that you have adequate peripheral light to guard against eyestrain. Opt for a liquid crystal display (LCD) rather than a screen illuminated with a cathode ray tube (CRT) as these can go slightly out of focus as they become older. LCDs do not go out of focus and are less susceptible to visible flicker.

Boost your mood
Research in the Journal of Depression and Anxiety shows that bright light therapy improved the condition of patients suffering from major depressive disorders after just one week. After receiving light therapy for half an hour each day, subjects’ conditions improved by 27%. Full spectrum light, which emulates natural light, is also used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). A well-illuminated space using different layers of light can create a cheerful ambience resulting in positive psychological benefits.

Improved productivity and safety levels
Properly designed, the overall working environment can have a stimulating effect on those working within it. Lighting in a workplace must ensure that people within that environment are able to perform their tasks even under difficult circumstances and over long periods. It should help them feel comfortable which, indirectly, will assist in elevating their efficiency and even productivity.

“Good office lighting actually improves bottom-line profitability. Workers see better which increases their productivity; they make fewer mistakes, reducing waste and accidents. Appropriate lighting has, in fact, even been shown to reduce absenteeism levels due to sickness,” says Poyurs.

Lighting must also help promote safety in the workplace. Stroboscopic effects can lead to dangerous situations in which rotating or reciprocating machinery appears to be stationary.

Radiant has developed lighting options that do away with the negative effects traditionally associated with some types of lighting. The company now offers a range of high-tech louvres and optic systems for T5 fluorescent luminaires that provide total glare control and eliminate the stroboscopic and flickering effects.

“A large number of research projects conducted on the health, wellbeing and alertness of people working under different types of lights show that good lighting has an important beneficial effect, both visually and biologically,”
says Poyurs. “By investigating and making use of the lighting options best suited to your environment and health, you can optimise your wellbeing and enjoy enhanced productivity.”

Article sourtecy of: Radiant lighting

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