The first thing that comes to mind when you think of workplace safety is probably keeping people safe from obvious dangers like slip and falls or shattering glass. Same with us! But over the years we have realized that threats to workers can be invisible or intangible–like glare. Glare is a silent, slow threat to the comfort and health of employees here in Denver offices, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. And, it may actually violate OSHA standards too.
Why Glare May be Violating OSHA Workplace Standards
The definition of glare is:
“visual conditions in which there is excessive contrast or inappropriate distribution of light sources that disturb the observer or limits the ability to distinguish details and objects.”
If you have worked in a sunny office, a southern-facing hotel, or a restaurant with western-facing windows–you probably know this definition first hand. In most commercial spaces there are quite a few places like this. It is an OSHA requirement that employers provide proper and healthy lighting levels. Therefore, excessive glare could be considered a workplace hazard in OSHA’s eyes. Regardless–it is really bad for employees on many levels.
Why Glare is So Dangerous in Denver Workspaces
Here in Denver the sun and glare are extra bad because of our mile-high elevation. Glare from windows is surely an annoying thing but did you know it also causes harm to employees? Things like:
- Eye Strain
- Headaches
- UV Radiation Exposure
- Sunburn
- Neck and Shoulder Strain
- Blurry Vision
These types of conditions add up to more than just a poor working environment. They are horrible for employees and bad for business too! Spaces with these types of glare-related issues tend to have employees that are tardy or absent more frequently and less productive too!
Window Film: The Solution to Glare on Workplace Windows
A tried and true solution to keeping glare from coming through the windows of your business and harming employees (while keeping the natural light) is window film. It keeps excessive light and glare at bay. It stops 99.9% of the UV rays that cause eye, skin, and muscle discomfort and disease/ Window film technology is also very affordable and pays for itself in just a few years from the energy it conserves.
For more information on window film for your Denver business contact us at Denver Window Film today!
Mike Kinsey
Mike Kinsey has successfully completed hundreds of window film installs in Kansas City and throughout the U.S., accounting for more than 250,000 square ft. of film. As the head of operations, he is personally in charge of overseeing every install and ensuring that all procedures go smoothly. His years of experience in construction and project management give him the unique ability to accurately diagnose areas of concern and implement a plan to remedy the situation. Mike is a subject matter expert and is intensely familiar with all different types of window film as well as leading brands. He is well equipped to handle both residential and commercial projects and is certified by 3M, EnerLogic, and AIA for continuing education.
