TAILGATE SAFETY TOPIC

The Humboldt Builders’ Exchange Safety and Insurance Committee provide the following safety topic as a service to its members. These instructions do not supersede local, state or federal regulations.

LIGHTNING HAZARDS ON THE JOB

According to the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA’s) National Weather Service, lightning kills about 100 people in the U.S. each year and injures about 1,000 others. Between 1959 and 1996, in the U.S. alone, there were 3,376 lightning deaths. Just last year there were 47 lightning fatalities. As a construction worker you are among those most likely to be struck by lightning since you work outdoors in open spaces, near tall objects and with conductive materials.

With advances in weather forecasting and the ability to track sever weather, we are able to limit the chances of being struck by lightning. Some contractors maintain lightning detectors that sound horns or alarms if a storm is in the area. Others stay informed through radio, television and weather alert services through the internet. Know your company’s weather warning policies and ask your supervisor if you have questions.

Check the weather forecast before you leave for work or at the start of your shift so that you know what to expect during the day. Watch for signs of thunderstorms such as high winds, dark clouds, rain, and distant thunder or lightning. If any of these signs occur, don’t start any new tasks that you can’t stop quickly.

What can you do to prevent being struck by lightning?

· Seek shelter indoors in a sturdy building.

· Stay away from anything tall or high including rooftops, scaffolding, ladders, and large equipment such as cranes, bulldozers and backhoes.

· Do not touch materials or surfaces that can conduct electricity including metal equipment, scaffolding, utility lines, water pipes and plumbing.

Following are some common myths about lightning.

· If it’s not raining, then there is no danger of lightning.

False: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and can occur miles away from any rainfall.

· Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.

False: Heat lightning is lightning from a thunderstorm that is too far away for thunder to be heard. The silent bolts often occur on hot summer nights. The storm could be moving in your direction.

· Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

False: Lightning usually strikes the tallest object around. The Sears Tower and the Empire State Building have been hit thousands of times.

Check www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov for more information.

SAFETY REMINDER: Never swim in a pool when there is a thunderstorm in the area. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the pool and get indoors to a safe place.

Company Name ______________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Signature _________________________________________________________

Meeting Attended By:

ý ___________________________________

ý ___________________________________

ý ___________________________________

ý ___________________________________

ý ___________________________________

ý ___________________________________

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Powered by OnlineHostService