Lightning Safety

Heat Stress & Weather Hazards
English (Canada)

The Problem

Lightning is one of nature’s most dangerous forces, and workers outdoors or using electrical equipment are at significant risk. Every year, lightning strikes result in serious injuries and fatalities—many of which are preventable. Today, we’ll focus on understanding lightning safety risks and outline the procedures needed to protect ourselves during electrical storms.

Identify the Hazards

  • Direct Lightning Strikes: Risk of strike increases in open or elevated areas.
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  • Ground Currents: Lightning striking the ground can travel through soil, affecting anyone nearby.
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  • Side Flash: Lightning may jump from a tall object to a nearby person or piece of equipment.
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  • Step Potential: Voltage differences in the ground surface may result in electricity passing through the body.
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  • Energized Equipment: Contact with equipment affected by lightning can lead to electric shock or burns.

    • Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

    Monitoring Weather Conditions

    1. Weather Tracking: Use mobile apps, Environment Canada alerts, or on-site weather notifications to stay updated.
    2. Lightning Detection: Use systems that can track lightning strikes and predict storm movement. Take action when lightning is within 10 km of the site.

    Safe Distances

    1. 30/30 Rule: If thunder is heard within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, stop work and seek shelter.
    2. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming.
    3. Distance Awareness: Keep at least 50 metres from tall objects. Avoid wide-open or elevated areas.

    Shelter Requirements

    1. Safe Shelter: Enclosed buildings with plumbing and wiring.
    2. Metal-roofed vehicles with windows closed.
    3. Unsafe Areas: Avoid sheds, open-sided shelters, trees, scaffolds, and aluminium towers.

    Equipment Shutdown

    1. Power down and unplug electrical equipment where safe to do so.
    2. Use surge protectors for key equipment.
    3. Shut down heavy machinery and park clear of tall structures.
    4. Exit safely and follow proper lockout procedures.

    Communication and Emergency Protocols

    1. Alert Systems: Establish a site chain of command for storm alerts.
    2. Use radios, texts, or alarms to notify the team.
    3. Emergency Plans: Designate safe shelters and evacuation assembly points.
    4. Conduct regular safety drills.

    Restarting Work

    1. All Clear Protocol: Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming.
    2. Inspect all gear for damage before powering back on.

    Real-Life Case or Scenario

    Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

    A team on a rural site ignored storm warnings and continued work on scaffolding. Lightning struck a nearby pole, and ground current injured two workers. Had they followed the 30/30 rule and taken shelter, the injuries could have been avoided.

    Employee Responsibilities

    • Monitor weather conditions.
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    • Follow shelter and shutdown procedures.
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    • Report any damage or unsafe conditions immediately.

    Employer Responsibilities

    • Provide weather alert tools and shelter options.
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    • Train workers on lightning procedures and evacuation.
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    • Ensure storm-related risks are included in health and safety planning.

    Discussion & Questions

    • "Has anyone experienced a close call with lightning on a job site?"
    • "Do you think our current lightning safety procedures could be improved?"
    • "What changes would help make sure everyone reacts quickly during a storm?"

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    Commitment/Action Plan

    From today, we commit to: Following the 30/30 rule. Taking shelter during storms. Inspecting all equipment before use after a storm. No task is worth risking your life in a lightning storm.

    Wrap-Up

    Lightning safety comes down to preparation and awareness. By understanding the risks, following site protocols, and acting quickly, we can stay safe during storms. Thank you for your attention and commitment to protecting yourself and your crew.

    Standards Overview

    Under Canadian occupational health and safety regulations:

    • Employers must ensure weather risks are considered in health and safety plans.
    • Emergency plans must include procedures for electrical storms.
    • Electrical safety procedures should be reviewed during high-risk periods such as thunderstorm season.

    Disclaimer

    “The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.

    It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.

    Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.

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    Last Updated:
    July 4, 2025