By Daniel Morgan-Williams, Founding Director of Visualise Training and Consultancy
When it comes to Display Screen Equipment (DSE) compliance, much of the focus is placed on screen height, seating position, and keyboard placement. However, one of the most persistent and overlooked hazards in the modern workplace is lighting — specifically, the impact of poor lighting and glare on employee comfort, performance, and health. For health and safety professionals, recognising and addressing these issues is critical to creating a truly safe and productive environment.
The Importance of Lighting in Workplace Safety
Lighting is more than an aesthetic choice; it directly affects how people see, interpret, and respond to their environment. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and reduced concentration. Glare, whether from natural light or artificial sources, can cause visual discomfort and increase the risk of errors. In safety-critical environments, inadequate lighting can also lead to serious accidents.
Common Sources of Poor Lighting and Glare
Many workplaces suffer from lighting problems that are either ignored or accepted as part of the environment. Common causes include:
• Overhead fluorescent lighting that is too bright or flickers.
• Direct sunlight entering through uncovered or poorly shaded windows.
• Computer screens positioned opposite windows or strong light sources.
• Mismatched colour temperatures between natural and artificial light.
• Insufficient task lighting for detailed work.
The Link Between Lighting and Sensory Health
Lighting has a direct effect on visual comfort and performance. Employees with visual impairments, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, may be more sensitive to glare or require higher contrast levels to see clearly. Without adjustments, these workers may experience increased eye strain, reduced productivity, and even long-term deterioration in visual health. Poor lighting can also exacerbate headaches and migraines in individuals who are susceptible to them.
The Oversight in DSE Compliance
While DSE assessments often include a brief question about lighting, they rarely involve a detailed analysis of illumination. Many online self-assessment tools rely on employees to identify and report lighting issues, which can be subjective and incomplete. Workers may adapt to poor conditions over time, making the problem less visible but no less harmful. This is especially problematic for those with gradual-onset sensory changes, who may not realise that lighting is affecting their health.
Best Practices for Lighting and Glare Management
Health and safety professionals can take a proactive approach to lighting management by:
• Conducting on-site lighting audits, including measurement of lux levels and glare testing.
• Ensuring screens are positioned to avoid direct light sources.
• Installing adjustable blinds or shades to control sunlight.
• Providing adjustable task lighting for detailed work.
• Matching artificial lighting colour temperature to the nature of the work.
• Involving employees in identifying preferred lighting conditions.
The Role of Specialist Assessments
Specialist workplace assessments, such as those offered by Visualise Training and Consultancy, can provide in-depth evaluations of lighting conditions from both an ergonomic and sensory perspective. For employees with visual impairments, tailored lighting recommendations can significantly improve comfort and productivity, while reducing the risk of long-term health issues.
Conclusion
Lighting and glare remain one of the most underappreciated factors in DSE compliance and workplace safety. Addressing these issues requires more than a single checkbox on an assessment form — it calls for a detailed, proactive approach that considers the needs of all employees, including those with visual sensitivities. By prioritising lighting, health and safety professionals can prevent discomfort, enhance productivity, and create safer and more inclusive workplaces.
To find out more or make a referral, visit https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/workplace-assessmentsÂ
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