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Lighting can easily be overlooked as a contributor to mental health, however, studies have shown adequate lighting and doses of natural sunlight are important for many physiological functions from calcium metabolism to sleep regulation and mood enhancement. 
Poor workplace lighting has been shown to have the following effects:
- Visual and nervous fatigue, which can lead to chronic nervous fatigue
- A measurable reduction in the productivity of employees, and
- An increase in the risk of an accident occurring due to impaired vision
The Australian Standards for lighting in working areas have been set at a minimum level of 110 lux, where lux is a measure of light intensity. A bright summers day can measure 10-20,000 lux, while a dull winters day can measure 5,000 lux. Quite a difference!
Employer Obligations
The management of lighting levels in work environments is often a complex and highly subjective area. It depends on the type and intricacy of workplace tasks, individual preferences and the type of lighting available.
Employers are responsible for providing adequate lighting under Occupational Health and Safety legislation, however, the lighting standards may not be sufficient. If you work in a dimly lit environment, you may want to talk to your Occupational Health and Safety officer or employer about getting your lighting tested, trying additional lighting options or arranging decent breaks to get some natural sunlight during the day.
Even Aussies may suffer from the winter blues!
You’d expect all Australians would receive a decent dose of light given the sunny nation that we live in, however, many people may not get enough sunlight in winter because of the time they spend indoors, the amount they cover up when in the sun or due to their longitude in winter, particularly in South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.
Attitudes towards exposure to sunlight have also changed with the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer and increased incidences of skin cancers. However, it is important to understand that exposure to natural sunlight is beneficial to our physical and mental health, especially in winter months when we spend more time indoors and light intensity is at its weakest.
The easiest way to get more light is to head outdoors for a period during the day when the sun is not at its strongest point. People who get the winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), may want to consider purchasing a light box, which can be used at home or work. Supplemental lighting may be useful not only for those who suffer from SAD, but also for those who suffer from general low to moderate depression as well.
As a general rule of thumb in Australian summers, it is best to stay out of the direct sun or cover up from 10am to 2pm.
Reference
SAD Article – The Age
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