Two Kentucky Workers Killed, Others Injured By Lightning

Lightning strikes killed two workers and injured at least four others recently in Kentucky workplaces.

The two workers who died were in a tobacco barn in Buckeye when lightning struck the raised beams used to hang tobacco leaves for drying. Three other workers who were in the barn were also injured, including one who had to be hospitalized. The father of one of the workers who died was also working on the farm and had tried to get the workers out of the barn before the lightning struck.

A day earlier, an employee of the Creation Museum in Petersburg received minor injuries when he touched a piece of equipment that had been charged by a recent lightning strike. The worker was reportedly helping visitors get off a zip line as thunderstorms rolled into the area.

Electrical Injuries and Kentucky Workers’ Compensation

Workers in all types of industries may suffer electrical injuries while on the job. Electrocution is among the most common workplace fatality, accounting for 9 percent of all fatal on-the-job accidents each year across the United States.

Workers – and everyone else – should take precautions as thunderstorms approach:

• Remember the 30/30 rule – when you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If it is less than 30 seconds, take cover.
• Get inside. Once inside, do not use anything connected to the electrical or plumbing system.

If caught outside, stay away from tall structures. Lightning seeks the tallest structure. Stay away from open areas where you are the tallest structure.

• If a lightning strike may be eminent, crouch down in a ball so that your head is not the tallest part of your body. But don’t touch your head to the ground.

Also, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers tips for staying safe when working around electricity, including:

• Assume that all overhead wires are energized.
• Never touch a fallen wire.
• Never operate electrical equipment or machinery when standing in or near water.

If you have suffered a job-related injury from a lightning strike or electrical accident, you may be entitled to Kentucky workers’ compensation benefits for your expenses and lost wages.

Sources:

• gantdaily.com
• rawstory.com