Illuminance in Office Workstations and Related Health Risks in a Tertiary Institution within Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The extent of illumination within work places contributes to the productivity and wellbeing of the employees. Due to its relevance, health and safety organizations around the world have continued to instruct and enlighten employers on the necessity to place satisfactory lighting equipment’s and mechanisms in place to guarantee the constant safety and wellbeing of their employees. This research is aimed at accessing the illuminance levels in office work stations in the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin. Survey method was used to obtain primary data on the perception of the employees about illumination levels within their work environment and associated health risk. Illumination levels were measured within the work environment using a digital lux meter. The values obtained were compared with standards as set by the Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA). The surveys conducted revealed that majority of the workers were unsatisfied with the lighting conditions. Illuminance readings taken shows that majority of the workstations had levels below (194.0-453.0Lux) the recommended standard of 500Lux, while others were above (524.4-666.9Lux). Health risks associated with bad illumination includes: eyestrain, stress, teary eyes and headaches. It is recommended that illumination levels be adjusted in areas where they are considered lower or higher than the set standards within the work stations. Workers should also be enlightened on the possible health risks associated with poor lightening conditions together with regular checking of illumination levels in all work stations of the institute.