THIS article was triggered by the quality of lighting in one prominent bank I visited in Bulawayo.
When I visited, the lighting was bad.
After getting the services I needed, I asked the employee if they were aware that their bank is not adequately lit.
The employee said they are aware of it, but there was nothing they could do.
Secondly, they are now used to it as it has been like that for a long time.
Simply, there is a need to get proper bulbs.
Eyes are important; and as such, they must be protected at all cost.
Lighting affects our eyes. It could be in a mine, in your office, or any workplace.
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The strain on eyes
When you are an employee, in a country that suffers job scarcity, you might think lighting is not important.
What might seem to be important is that one is employed and they have a salary. Lighting is important.
Your eyes might be demeaning slowly.
Bad office lighting does not announce itself loudly. It creeps in silently.
Dim or overly harsh light forces your eyes to work harder.
This leads to eye strain, blurred vision, and headaches.
Over time, this constant strain can reduce productivity and damage long-term eye health.
In any organisation, it is important to report about bad lighting in your office.
The glare
Glare is one problem that affects our eyes.
According to the Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Management Course (OSHEMAC) by the National Social Security Association (2020: 167), “Glare is defined as a harsh, uncomfortable bright light that shines directly in the eyes.
Glare may be either direct, coming from lights or sunshine, or indirect, coming from a reflected surface.”
Glare from computer screens, shiny desks, or poorly positioned lights is more than an irritation.
It disrupts focus, causes squinting and accelerates eye fatigue.
Workers often compensate by leaning forward or adjusting posture, which introduces musculoskeletal problems alongside vision issues.
Flickering lights
You walk into offices and you are confronted by flickering light.
Those that work in that office get used to this anomaly, but your eyes and brain is being affected.
Old fluorescent bulbs or unstable electrical systems can cause imperceptible flickering.
While you may not notice it consciously, your brain and eyes do.
This flicker contributes to migraines, irritability, and reduced concentration, undermining workplace performance.
Shadows and safety risks
Uneven lighting creates shadows that obscure details.
In office settings, this can lead to mistakes in reading documents, misjudging steps or even tripping hazards.
Poorly lit stairways, underground mines, corridors and storage areas increase the risk of accidents.
The psychological toll of poor lighting
In occupational safety and health research, we learn that lighting does not just affect vision. It also shapes mood.
A good example is when you are in a night club or a music concert, special lighting is used to cultivate a specific mood through lighting.
Dim, cold or inconsistent lighting can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety or lethargy.
Employees in such environments often report lower morale and higher stress levels, which ripple into overall organisational performance.
Eye and face protection
There are other people that work in areas that directly affect eyes.
Such companies include those with ultra violet rays and those with chemical sprays.
Those with ultra violet ray include steel companies that are involved in welding.
There are chipping companies that include carpentry or grinding shops that have flying objects. At these have an effect on the eyes.
About welders, the Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Management Course (OSHEMAC) by the NSSA (2020: 102) say “Eye protection tinted goggles or spectacles with shield helmets should be worn by welders and their helpers. Arc welding operations should be isolated from other workers by booths or screens, so that exposure to them is precluded by direct or reflected rays.”
Preventive measures for healthy vision
We can use adjustable LED lighting with natural colour temperatures in our offices or homes.
The position desks are also necessary to maximise natural daylight without glare.
For those that are always on a computer, install anti-glare filters on computer screens.
There is a need to regularly service and replace flickering or outdated bulbs.
Everyone is encouraged to take short breaks to rest their eyes.
Designing a vision-friendly workplace
Occupational safety and health is not just about helmets and fire drills; it is also about protecting sight.
Employers should invest in ergonomic lighting design, conduct regular safety audits, and involve employees in feedback about their visual comfort.
Employees should also report swiftly about bad lighting.
A well-lit office is not a luxury; it is a necessity for health, safety and productivity.
