Open AccessLightning Safety for Florida Agriculture Workers
Author(s) -
Shawn Steed,
Alicia Whidden
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
edis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2576-0009
DOI - 10.32473/edis-ae526-2018
Subject(s) - lightning (connector) , lightning strike , hazard , forensic engineering , agriculture , meteorology , business , engineering , geography , thunderstorm , power (physics) , archaeology , ecology , physics , biology , quantum mechanics
Lightning is a common occurrence in the Sunshine State. In fact, Florida is known as the lightning capital of the U.S. and ranks number one in lightning-caused deaths. As Floridians, we have grown accustomed to living with lightning and are possibly complacent about the destructive force that surrounds us. Lightning causes about $5 billion worth of damage and kills an average of 50 people in the U.S. each year. Although lightning kills only about 10% of people struck, many victims can suffer from physical and mental complications for the rest of their lives. In agriculture especially, as employers and employees we need to have a good working knowledge of lightning, its effects, and how to protect ourselves and others from this potentially life-threatening hazard.