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Advanced Lighting Features Assist with Workplace Safety and Employee Well-Being
A New Generation of Work Lights
A new category of hands-free work lights that clamp virtually anywhere, stand on their own and easily pivot is also allowing workers to illuminate hard-to-reach spaces for the task at hand. Using lights that can be clamped to many surfaces, hung from a hook, or positioned in small spaces with magnets enables workers to concentrate less on the light and focus more on the job and any hazards that could threaten their personal safety. New portable work lights today can be positioned for overhead flood lighting or for direct spot lighting in tight spaces. Moreover, the lights can be easily adjusted by rotating in both a vertical or horizontal direction allowing technicians to more easily troubleshoot a problem and protect them from potential bodily harm.
These lights typically allow users to see the color spectrum as they would in natural light. The light provides a softer, warmer beam to assist with identifying subtle details and colors in various work applications, which prevents glare and eye fatigue. Glare reduction and the ability to more accurately identify colors also prevent mistakes or accidents in low light environments when working with colored electrical wires, replacing parts in an emergency, or even identifying warning signage within a facility.
Dependable Lighting Provides Peace of Mind
Perhaps the biggest trend in flashlight technology is lights that use rechargeable battery technology to ensure that light is always available when needed, offering dependable, always-on illumination that leads to less worker downtime and a safer working environment. Additionally, rechargeable batteries promote environmental sustainability by eliminating downstream waste due to the reduction of disposable batteries, leading to a cleaner working environment by reducing the number of spent batteries in landfills.
Regardless of the type of light used, when it comes to the safety of all within a work location, managers and employees should review how new lights operate to better understand any new features and safety enhancements. Every new feature in today’s lights has been carefully designed and engineered to safely support workers and their specific profession. Managers should pay close attention to the rapidly changing technology and enhancements to prevent accidents and to ensure a safe, healthy, productive work environment.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
About the Author
Aaron Freund is the Director of Sales for the Industrial and Fire Divisions at Streamlight, Inc.