Industrial professionals who rely on flashlights to light their way in the workplace have never been safer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational injuries have steadily decreased in recent decades, and the latest advances in technology and innovation have brought users a wide range of new lighting tools and features that help keep workers safer on the job.
LED Lighting
Safety at industrial sites is crucial, particularly in low-light or other challenging conditions, and recent LED technology helps workers navigate potential hazards. LEDs have become so efficient that 80 to 90% of energy goes directly to the bulb, whereas traditional incandescent bulbs can waste more than 80% of their energy. LEDs also offer a distinct safety advantage by providing more visibility while using less power and can last thousands of hours without needing to be replaced.
Scene Lighting Innovations
For tight spaces and in difficult areas, recent innovations in scene lighting offer users unique safety advantages. The newest scene lights feature a rotating head and are small and highly portable, making them easy to store and transport. They are also flexible enough to increase visibility in tight, dark spaces. New technology ensures battery life lasts for days, which can be vital in time-sensitive situations.
New Power Sources
New high-output USB rechargeable flashlights give users the ability to both charge on-the-go and eliminate the worry of not having batteries on hand when they are needed most. Other flashlights feature solar panels that can charge by windows while not in use. Options like these remove environmentally harmful batteries and helps reduce energy bills.
Hands-Free Lights
Today’s headlamps are increasingly lightweight, easy to use, and their hands-free operation helps to maximize worker safety. The newest innovations in hands-free technology, however, involve combining flashlights with other personal protective equipment (PPE). Jobsites are seeing lights that are built directly into workers’ vests, shoes, or gloves for an added safety advantage.
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Safety managers give much thought to equipping and training employees for emergency situations and keeping them safe on the jobsite. But when it comes to one critical safety tool – flashlights – they may be overlooking the many recent innovations and options on the market today. By taking the time to familiarize themselves with these recent enhancements in flashlight technology, organizations not only enhance their productivity but help keep their workers safe in the process.
