Poor lighting contributes to untold numbers of accidents and productivity losses inside U.S. warehouses each year.  According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, warehouse slip, trip and fall accidents alone account for more than 95 million lost workdays annually, and many of those can be attributed to poor visibility.  

Naturally, different parts of your facility will have different lighting requirements.  

Loading Dock Lighting

Loading docks are busy, congested areas and should be a top priority for any lighting improvements. Loading docks should have ample overhead lighting for general illumination so that forklifts and pedestrians have high visibility. In addition, supplemental lighting for the inside of trailers or containers is highly recommended.  

Shipping & Receiving

Workers in shipping and receiving areas must view shipping documents or screens, so adequate lighting is a must. In addition to proper illumination, these areas often require glare reduction from lenses or louvers. Task lighting at individual workstations is highly recommended. 

Storage Area Lighting

Storage areas are typically the largest areas to illuminate, and lighting requirements depend largely on the height of ceilings and racking structures. In general, aisles should have dedicated lighting, and more lighting is required if racks are close to the ceiling.  

Warehouse Lighting Tips

The most commonly used sources of illumination are fluorescent and LED. Follow these tips to get guidance on the best lighting options and configurations for your warehouse:

Invest in energy-efficiency. Although energy efficient lighting might cost more up front, it can pay for itself many times over in the long term.  Adding control systems to your lighting that can dim or turn off lights when not in use can save even more money.  

Don’t forget glare reduction.  While LED lights are very popular these days, they are also extremely bright and can create a spotlight effect.  Use lenses and reflectors to minimize glare issues.  

Pay attention to color. Lighting color can greatly affect contrast and clarity. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) can give you an idea of how “natural” light will look, with higher numbers being closer to daylight. Shoot for a CRI number of 85 or higher where possible. 

Get the right capacity.  Warehouses usually have high ceilings, so it’s vital to choose lighting that can actually illuminate effectively all the way to the floor.  

Talk To A Warehouse Expert

If you have questions about lighting your warehouse, give us a call today!  We have experienced warehouse layout professionals available to help you plan and implement any warehouse lighting project.