ABSTRACT
Past studies have found that lighting affects subjects’ posture when they perform reading-writing tasks on a horizontal plane. Subjects move closer to the task when light level or task contrast is reduced and they position themselves to reduce reflections. These postural adjustments to improve visibility decrease the effects of poor lighting. It is unknown what effect these adjustments have on the musculoskeletal system. To date no field studies have been published on benefits of adjustable task lighting and whether or not if affects musculoskeletal comfort or posture. The researchers felt this was an area that needed further investigation due to the limited research done in this area. The purpose of this project was to assess the ergonomic and/or calculated utility power consumption benefits of task lighting in an office environment using a control/intervention experiment design.
