Ergonomics in

the workplace

Ergonomic
lighting considerations
Contrast
Lighting • An aging workforce needs more lighting Contrast is the relationship between the
(contrast), especially task lighting. brightness of an object and its background.
Many modern offices
are overlit ,
• To correct contrast problems: Use ink
instead of pencil for hard copy work; use Contrast
causing tremendous
energy waste, as well white paper instead of colored; adjust
as glare and photocopier exposure, monitor brightness
and contrast; and decrease reflected glare. Reading text on the screen becomes
human discomfort. more difficult as contrast is reduced.
• Data entry speed increases with an increase

68% of
employees complain
in illumination and/or contrast.

about lighting,

79% want to Relative contrast required as a function of age

control their light, and
Relative contrast required

75% say they

would be more Contrast requirements
productive. increase exponentially
after age 40.
People with
controllable lighting
rated tasks less
difficult, felt more
comfortable, and Age
experienced a

35% 42% to
decrease in
energy use.

20 years 60 years 75 years

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 Dual-lighting components
• Dual-component lighting schemes can • Cool color temperature lighting for paper-
positively impact comfort and performance based documents. Warm color temperature
while lowering energy consumption 30 for computer work.
percent to 40 percent. • Ideal compromise: warm ambient lighting
Overhead glare
• Conflict exists between lighting combined with cool task lighting.
Direct glare
requirements for computer work and • Position task light opposite the worker’s
paper-based tasks. writing hand.
Screen glare
• Proper light levels vary significantly with
worker age and tasks.

Common Preferred

80%
Blue, cool overhead lighting Yellow, warm overhead lighting
Blue, cool task lighting
of workers
experience glare.
1 1

Correct glare
• Use several low-
intensity fixtures
vs. one high-
intensity.
• Use diffusers.
• Cover bare bulbs 2
with louvers/lens.
• Use adjustable
local lighting.
• Reposition light Single component: Dual component:
fixtures or work
areas. • Too much light above eyes • Light level determined by user
• High energy waste • 30 percent to 40 percent
Monitors generate less energy required
light; paper and
surroundings
reflect light.

Direct glare: natural

light, overhead,
and under cabinet
lighting

Indirect glare: work

surface, monitor,
shiny surfaces,
paper, and walls

Multiple shadows create vision issues Single shadow creates visual comfort

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