Issue Date:  -  Monday, 16 February 2004

Lightning Can Be A Killer

WorkSafe has issued a caution to employees – particularly those working outside – to use extreme caution during thunderstorms.

WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Nina Lyhne said today there had been three work-related deaths from lightning strikes in WA since 1998.

“We are all aware of the awesome power of lightning, but most would think they could never be unlucky enough to be struck,” Ms Lyhne said.

“The reality is that it is entirely possible, and precautions should be taken during thunderstorms to lessen the risk of being struck.

“The fact that golfers will invariably come in from courses whenever there is a thunderstorm in the vicinity demonstrates that lightning is recognized as a serious hazard.

“Lightning strikes can travel up to 80km before striking the ground, and will usually target the tallest object or the best electrical conductor in the area.

“Hence, the persons most at risk are those working out in the open, on the sea or other waterways or sheltering under trees or other structures.”

The three most recent work-related fatalities from lightning in WA were:

• In December 1998, a 23-year-old jockey was killed when struck by lightning while exercising a horse at Ascot Racecourse during an electrical storm;
• In January 2001, a 42-year-old truck driver was killed when the truck he was standing next to was struck by lightning; and
• Also in January 2001, a 39-year-old underground mine manager died after being struck by lightning while inspecting a water storage pond at a mine.

Recommended precautions to be taken if outdoors during a thunderstorm include:

• Seek shelter immediately in an enclosed car or substantial building;
• Never shelter under trees because your body is a better conductor of electricity than the tree;
• If boating or engaged in other aquatic activities, head for shore straight away;
• Do not handle fishing rods, umbrellas, golf clubs or any other metal objects and stay clear of sheet metal, wire fences, clotheslines and so on; and
• If caught in the open, crouch down with your feet together.  Do not lie down – the idea is to be as low as possible with minimum contact with the ground.

“Using wired electrical equipment, hand-held tools or appliances and landline telephones should also be avoided during thunderstorms, Ms Lyhne said.

“Employers need to recognize the hazards associated with an electrical storm and, where appropriate, have safe procedures and systems of work in place to minimize the risk of injury or harm to employees.”

Further information is available by telephoning WorkSafe on (08) 9327 8777 or on the website at www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.