By Dan Morgan-Williams, Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy
Workplace lighting is often viewed as a matter of comfort or interior design — but for many employees, poor lighting can have a direct impact on safety. Issues such as photophobia (light sensitivity), reduced contrast sensitivity, and glare not only create discomfort but also increase risks of fatigue, slips/trips, and missed hazards. Safety professionals play a key role in identifying and addressing these risks.
Below are five practical adjustments that can help reduce the risk of light sensitivity and improve safety for all workers.
- Assess Lighting Placement and Intensity
- Avoid positioning desks directly under bright overhead lighting.
- Offer dimmable task lamps with adjustable direction.
- Where possible, use diffused natural light rather than harsh strip lighting.
Safety Impact: Overexposure to bright lighting can cause headaches, fatigue, and reduced hazard awareness.
- Minimise Glare from Screens and Surfaces
- Fit matte screen filters or anti-glare coatings.
- Adjust contrast and brightness settings for better visibility.
- Reduce reflections by using blinds, matte wall finishes, or desk repositioning.
Safety Impact: Glare and poor contrast can increase eye strain, potentially leading to mistakes and accidents.
- Support Workers in Meetings and Collaboration Spaces
- Check how lighting and camera setups for video calls affect participants.
- Offer alternative seating options in meeting rooms with intense overhead or reflective lighting.
- Normalise adjustments so workers don’t feel singled out.
Safety Impact: When employees withdraw from meetings due to discomfort, communication and safety-critical information can be missed.
- Provide Personal Tools and Aids
- Lightweight visors, tinted lenses, or screen filters can make a big difference.
- Encourage employees to trial different solutions and provide a budget for adjustments.
Safety Impact: Reduces reliance on workarounds (such as wearing sunglasses indoors) that may be stigmatising or impractical.
- Build Awareness and a Supportive Culture
- Train teams on how lighting and visual sensitivity affect safety and wellbeing.
- Encourage workers to speak up about their needs without fear of being “awkward.”
- Include visual accessibility in safety audits and policy reviews.
Safety Impact: A supportive culture ensures risks are reported early and addressed effectively.
Case Example: Gavin
Gavin, a busy HR officer, experienced migraines, fatigue, and reduced productivity due to bright overhead lights and screen glare. Initially, a desk lamp was added, but it didn’t solve the problem. A more holistic approach — including matte screen filters, desk relocation, reflective wall panels, and supportive team awareness — transformed his comfort and safety. With his migraines reduced, he re-engaged in meetings and now champions inclusive workplace practices.
Quick Checklist for Safety Professionals
- Are workstations positioned away from harsh overhead lighting?
- Have glare and reflections been minimised on screens and walls?
- Are alternative lighting and seating options available in meetings?
- Do employees have access to personal aids (filters, visors, tinted lenses)?
- Is awareness training part of the safety program?
Key Takeaway:
Lighting isn’t just a comfort issue — it’s a safety issue. By addressing glare, contrast, and cultural barriers, safety professionals can help reduce fatigue, prevent mistakes, and foster inclusive, safer workplaces.
👉 For more on workplace visual impairment assessments, visit: Visualise Training and Consultancy Workplace Assessments https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/workplace-assessments/visual-impairment-workplace-assessments