Lightning strikes an overlooked occupational hazard
When thunder roars, go indoors!
Heat gets plenty of attention as a danger for those who have to work outdoors – or indoors in certain types of facilities. However, lightning strikes can also severely injure and kill workers.
In the United States, cloud-to-ground lightning occurs 20 to 25 million times a year and more than 300 people are struck by lightning. During the past 30 years, about 50 people, on average, have been killed by lightning strikes every year, and many more suffer permanent disabilities.