June 21-27 is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week in the US, a reminder to recognize lightning hazards and prepare before storms develop. For solid waste and resource management employees who often work outdoors around heavy equipment and conductive materials, lightning safety is especially important.
Follow these tips to help protect yourself from lightning hazards on the job:
- Remember the 30/30 rule: if 30 seconds or less pass between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, seek shelter immediately. After the last thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before returning to outdoor work.
- Check the weather forecast daily and postpone outdoor work if thunderstorms are expected.
- When thunder roars, go indoors. Hearing thunder means lightning is close enough to strike.
- Stop working immediately at the first sign of lightning or thunder, even if it is not raining.
- Seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped metal vehicle if no building is available.
- Avoid tall objects such as trees, utility poles, cranes, and large equipment, which are more likely to be struck.
- Stay away from conductive materials, including metal equipment, scaffolding, pipes, and water.
- Leave areas with flammable or explosive materials if a storm is approaching.
- Never take shelter in sheds, tents, or covered porches, as they do not provide adequate protection.
If safe shelter is not available, reduce your risk by avoiding open areas, hilltops, and isolated tall objects. Do not lie flat; as a last resort, make yourself as small as possible and minimize contact with the ground.
Employers should support lightning safety with clear procedures, designated shelters, employee training, and an emergency action plan so everyone knows when to stop work and where to go.