Question 2 [20 marks]

Question

Lighting in the workplace is important, but if it is too much it can impair vision and cause
illness such as headaches or eye strains. This can in turn cause an employee to make
mistakes in the workplace or injure others or waste resources. Glare which is a reflection
of light from surface can be prevented in the workplace by various means such as
controlling the light source.
Having read the above and studied Occupational health and safety at BOU, evaluate and
describe the concept of glare and the relationships linked to glare

Answer 1

Glare in the workplace refers to excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort and can impair an individual's ability to see clearly. It results from an imbalance in luminance levels, where excessively bright lights can cause a stark contrast with surrounding areas, leading to discomfort or impairment. Glare can be divided into two main types: discomfort glare and disability glare. Understanding the concept of glare and its relationships is crucial for ensuring a safe and productive workplace.

Concept of Glare

1. Definition and Types:

• Discomfort Glare: This occurs when the intensity of light from a source is significantly higher than the surrounding light levels, causing discomfort but not necessarily impairing vision. Discomfort glare can lead to a feeling of annoyance or irritation in an individual, potentially reducing productivity.
• Disability Glare: This type of glare results in a decrease in visibility and clarity, making it difficult to see objects in the environment. It can be caused by bright lights or reflections, often impacting tasks that require precision or concentration.

2. Sources of Glare:

• Natural Light: Direct sunlight entering through windows can create glare if not appropriately managed.
• Artificial Lighting: Overhead fluorescents or poorly positioned lamps can create glare.
• Reflective Surfaces: Surfaces such as polished floors, glass walls, or even computer screens can reflect light and contribute to glare.

Relationships Linked to Glare

1. Impact on Health:

• Visual Discomfort: Employees experiencing glare often suffer from headaches, eye strain, and general visual fatigue. This discomfort can lead to chronic health issues if not addressed.
• Increased Stress Levels: The annoyance from glare can contribute to overall workplace stress, negatively affecting mental well-being.

2. Impact on Productivity:

• Errors in Work: Glare can impair an employee’s ability to focus, potentially leading to mistakes in tasks which can compromise quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Decreased Job Satisfaction: Persistent glare issues can lead to dissatisfaction, lower morale, and can even result in increased absenteeism or turnover.

3. Safety and Injury Risks:

• Impaired Judgment: Discomfort and disability glare can hinder an employee's ability to perceive hazards in the workplace, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Impacts on Equipment Operation: In fields requiring operation of machinery or vehicles, glare can severely impair visibility, increasing the risk of hazardous situations.

4. Productivity and Economic Impact:

• Employers can face significant costs related to decreased productivity and increased healthcare expenses due to glare-related health issues. Investing in proper lighting solutions can reduce these costs over the long term.

Mitigation Strategies

Addressing glare in the workplace is essential to foster employee well-being and enhance productivity. Some effective strategies include:

1. Lighting Design:

• Implementing appropriate lighting fixtures that minimize glare and improve uniformity in brightness.
• Utilizing diffused light sources and ensuring that lights are positioned adequately to reduce direct glare.

2. Window Treatments:

• Installing blinds, shades, or curtains to manage natural light and reduce the potential for glare from sunlight.

3. Surface Treatments:

• Choosing matte finishes for walls and surfaces that reflect light differently, thus reducing glare.

4. Policy and Training:

• Providing training for employees on how to adjust their workspaces to minimize glare, including proper positioning of screens and work tasks.

Conclusion

Glare is a multifaceted issue in the workplace that can have significant implications for employee health, safety, and productivity. Addressing glare requires a holistic approach, considering both physical environment modifications and the individual needs of employees. By understanding the relationships linked to glare—ranging from personal health impacts to broader organizational consequences—employers can proactively implement measures to create a safer and more comfortable working environment.