Lighting in Industrial and Shift-Work Environments and Occupational Health: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Background: Workplace lighting is a critical environmental factor influencing not only visual performance but also physiological and psychological well-being. In industrial and shift-based environments, inappropriate lighting conditions can disrupt circadian rhythms, impair alertness, and elevate accident risks. This review aims to highlight the multifaceted role of lighting in promoting occupational health, safety, and productivity.
Methods: This narrative review examined studies published between 2010 and 2024 in major scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, Magiran, using keywords such as “lighting,” “illumination,” “occupational health,” “shift work,” “circadian rhythm,” and “industrial workers.” Relevant peer-reviewed studies addressing the relationship between lighting conditions and occupational health outcomes were identified and analyzed qualitatively.
Results: The findings indicated that adequate and well-designed lighting enhances visual comfort, alertness, mood, circadian alignment, and overall job performance. Conversely, poor or inappropriate lighting contributes to eye strain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive errors, musculoskeletal discomfort, and an increased risk of occupational accidents—primarily through mechanisms such as circadian disruption. Night-shift workers, machine operators, and industrial personnel are particularly vulnerable, as insufficient or mistimed light exposure can misalign biological rhythms and reduce alertness.
Conclusion: Lighting is a powerful yet modifiable factor in occupational health. By proactively assessing and optimizing illuminance, color temperature, uniformity, and timing—and by adopting human-centric or dynamic lighting systems—organizations can directly improve worker well-being, reduce accidents, and boost productivity. Effective lighting is not just an environmental adjustment; it is a strategic investment in workforce health and industrial performance.
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| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 17 No 4 (2025) | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Published | 2026-09-13 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Lighting Luminance Health Circadian rhythm Shift workers Health risk | ||
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