Poor lighting can easily put you in a sour mood. In a working setup, it can demotivate you and make you feel sluggish and unproductive. As for a shop, you don't want to even go in because you'll think that they're selling sketchy things! Those may not look like significant problems, but in a more different setup, poor lighting may lead to severe injuries.
For example, in a warehouse, imagine working with minimal lighting and dealing with mountains of stocks. One wrong move, and those boxes can start toppling over you. It may not hurt that bad if the parcels have a lighter object, but what if it has heavy materials? What if it is sharp?! Just think about the gravity of the ripple effect of a bad lighting design!
So, if you're a warehouse owner who's working with poor lighting conditions and still putting off your lighting update, take this as a sign to make it a priority. It's not just for the safety of your employees but also for you.
How does good lighting enhance the safety of your warehouse?
One of the main reasons lighting is necessary for a warehouse is because of safety. There are many ways lighting can protect both you and your employees. Here are some:
Lessens Heavy Equipment Accidents
It's common for warehouses to deal with many heavy pieces of equipment that require utmost care. It only takes a wrong slip, and a single accident may create a more significant issue that may cost your business a lot of money. So, proper lighting can lower these risks because people will be able to see better.
Minimises Errors
Proper lighting can create an environment where people are less likely to commit mistakes. Remember, some of your employees need to read tiny labels while others have to check the quality before shipping. If you have enough illumination throughout your space, it can reduce the chances of making errors.
Lowers Damages and Losses to Property
Your products are the lifeline of your business. So, if your employee accidentally drops them because they didn't see the boxes lying around and tripped, that's a loss for you. You need to protect your products, and you cannot afford to have damaged goods because of low visibility. With adequate lighting, your employees will clearly see not only their environment but also the items that they are handling.
Protects the Employees’ Health
Poor lighting can affect your employees' eyesight. If it continues, they may develop bad eyesight, which may also affect their working output. Other than eyesight, inadequate lighting can also cause headaches among your employees. So, if you have a good lighting setup, you reverse these effects and create a healthy and positive environment.
What to consider when lighting a warehouse?
It’s easier to know the rules if you identify the issues first. What are the common problems your warehouse has that are caused by lighting? When you list this down, it will help you reflect and think of better ways to address the issues. However, if you need a head start, here are some helpful reminders when lighting your warehouse.
Ensure that the CRI rating is appropriate
It's not just about putting more bulbs to brighten your space. You also need to consider what is required for that particular area. The colour rendering index is essential when your employees have to look at fine details. If you get this right, it will be easier for them to distinguish tiny information and avoid making errors. It's recommended that you get light fittings with a CRI of at least 80 and above.
Consider adding sensors and dimmers
When you add sensors and dimmers, your lights become more energy efficient. They will only work when someone is present in the room, and you can customise the brightness level to what you only need. With this, you can avoid lights being left running even when no one is using them.
Create a lighting plan for the people and not the space
It’s easy to get carried away and forget about the critical factors when designing a lighting system. You might want to use so many fixtures, but it may not be what the people using it may need. So, remember to centre your lighting setup on your employees. If they have an excellent work environment, they'll be more productive, efficient, and happy!
Avoid flickering lights
When looking for lights, check if it's flicker-free. High-quality LED lights are flicker-free, so it's best that you choose them over other types of fitting. Flickering lights may trigger migraines and headaches, leading to more problems instead of improving the space. So, ensure that you're only getting LED lights from trusted suppliers that distribute high-quality fittings!
Now that you know the importance of proper lighting in a warehouse start inspecting yours! Are your employees working in a suitable environment? In danger zones (areas with heavy equipment), do you have ample lighting? If you think that you need to make some improvements, visit our website, LED Supplier. We house premium-quality LED lighting solutions such as downlights, strip lights, and commercial lights that will adequately illuminate your space.
