Toronto — Construction worksites need adequate lighting to improve visibility and help prevent injuries, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association says in a new safety talk.
Poorly lit worksites can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls; contribute to eye strain, headaches and blurred vision; and reduce visibility for machinery operators, raising the risk of struck-by incidents.
Employers should make sure lighting levels are adequate enough to allow workers to clearly see walkways, avoid collisions with objects and recognize hazards.
To ensure proper lighting in all areas, conduct regular lighting assessments and use a mix of fixed and portable lighting in work areas. The lighting should be able to be adapted to different tasks and areas on the job. Encourage employee feedback on lighting conditions.
IHSA says constructors should:
- Provide and maintain adequate lighting in shared areas.
- Plan sitewide lighting for each project phase and update the plan when routes or layouts change.
- Communicate lighting plans, outages and changes to all workers and subcontractors.
- Work with employers and joint safety and health committees to resolve issues and verify closures.
