After a heat wave has passed, a thunderstorm is seen as a relief to many New Yorkers who are happy to say goodbye to the humidity and heat of long summer days. However, for workers who are outdoors during a thunderstorm, there is a serious urgency to seek shelter from the storm and protection from what could be deadly lightning.
Many workers who have tons of experience working in the outdoors may dismiss lightening as nothing to worry about. However, regardless of how strong or seasoned you think you are, lightening strikes can kill – and fast. It may not happen to you but it could happen to someone near you and you’ll need to act correctly to protect yourself and your co-workers.
Lightning strikes can happen within the blink of an eye and if you are not seeking shelter when the storms start, you are putting yourself and the lives of your co-workers at great risk. For this reason, it is important to get the proper training from management for dealing with lightning incidents and a good understanding of the company’s safety procedures concerning lightning storms.
Even if work has to be halted while you wait out the storm that is what is necessary for the protection of all on a work site. Heavy equipment, metal materials, and other objects can be a magnet for lightning strikes and as a result can leave you seriously injured or even prove fatal.
Working with other seasoned employees can give way to peer pressure and jokes about fearing lightning. But there are no jokes here – there can be serious consequences for those who do not seek shelter during dangerous lightning and thunderstorms.
If you have been struck by lightning or hurt on a job site due to lightning strikes, it is important to have your case evaluated for worker’s compensation issues. You can contact our office toll free at 855-614-4351 or use our online contact form for more information.
