We often joke about the incredible odds of being struck by lightning, but for anyone who works outdoors, it’s nothing to laugh about. According to the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA), 300 people are struck by lightning each year, resulting in permanent disabilities and approximately 50 deaths annually.

For workers whose jobs involve being outdoors, especially for those who work in open spaces, near tall objects, or near conductive materials, lightning should be considered an occupational hazard. Some occupations that have a higher risk for lightning strikes include:

  • Logging
  • Heavy equipment operation
  • Roofing 
  • Construction
  • Road work
  • Explosives handling/safety
  • Power utility field repair
  • Telecommunications
  • Farming and field labor
  • Lawn services/landscaping
  • Airport ground personnel operations

In addition to lightning, electrocution from downed wires also presents a serious hazard for those who work outdoors. For instance, a worker in New Hampshire was killed after being electrocuted on the job though he never had direct contact with the downed wire. A high-voltage of electricity from a live wire traveled through a crane, across the ground, and up into a different piece of equipment that the employee happened to be leaning on. Some might call this a freak accident, but it’s one that could happen to anyone.

And with summer time comes strong storms, which increase the risks. We once had a client working on electrical wiring on a lift truck fixing storm damage. There was still voltage in the lines and he was electrocuted, losing his dominate arm above the elbow!

The Importance of Precautions

Because we can’t prevent storms, lightning strikes, or downed wires, it’s important to take precautions and properly train workers to reduce these types of accidents. Training should include how to avoid live wires, when and where to take appropriate shelter during a storm, and what to do after an electrocution has occurred (including not touching the injured worker). Outdoor workers also need to have access to weather reports so they can prepare themselves for oncoming thunderstorms.

If you have suffered an injury or a loved one has died after being electrocuted on the job, contact our law firm to protect your rights to workers compensation benefits. We can provide the guidance you need to file your claim for benefits. Contact us toll free at 888-799-3918 or through our online contact form.