FRSA Staff - June 2026
If you've lived in Florida long, you probably already know that Florida has traditionally been known as the "lightning capital" of the world. As a state, Oklahoma now has more strikes, however, Florida still has the highest density – an average of 300 strikes per square mile – and, tragically, far outweighs the other states in lightning fatalities. Of 196 lightning-related fatalities in the U.S. over the last ten years, Florida accounts for 51 – more than a quarter – of the deaths (www.floridaroof.com/lightningstrikes).
Working in the Florida roofing industry means laboring in a "perfect storm" of lightning hazards: high elevation, proximity to metal (flashing, tools) and the afternoon thunderstorms that brew throughout the summer.
Like other aspects of a roofing business, lightning safety shouldn't be so much about trusting your gut to avoid a "one-in-a-million" strike as it is about a systematic approach to providing a safe working environment for yourself and your crews.
Lightning occurs when electric charges from the atmosphere and the ground come together. These two forces seek the path of least resistance, which often means a roof peak or a ladder. In general, working at height significantly increases a person's chances of being struck by lightning, even when he is not on a ladder or holding a metal tool, which is all the more reason to exercise extreme caution when confronted with lightning activity in the area.
Most of us who grew up in Florida learned how to estimate how close lightning activity was by counting how much time passed between a lightning flash and the sound of thunder. While this method may often help recognize when activity is headed your way, it has its shortcomings. What if, for instance, the first strike from a storm is the one where your project is? Instead of merely detecting lightning activity, there has been a move toward predicting it. Electronic field monitors sense the buildup of electrical energy in the atmosphere and provide warnings to affected areas before the first strike ever occurs. Apps like "Lightning Pro" provide push notifications about lightning activity in the area based on distance parameters you set.
There is not a specific "lightning standard," however, OSHA uses its General Duty Clause to regulate lightning safety on the jobsite. Also, other OSHA regulations, like those for scaffolding (1926.451) and cranes/hoists (1926.1431) explicitly prohibit work during high winds or storms. As with everything OSHA related, you should have a lightning action plan and daily documentation of each location's adherence to the plan.
Phrases like "lightning could strike" tend to reinforce the idea that the chances of actually being struck by lightning is rare, something akin to winning the lottery (unfortunately, the odds favor getting struck by lightning over winning the lottery). On the jobsite, this can translate into a tough-it-out mentality. While such a mentality can be useful for pushing through a particularly hard section of a roof install, it won't do anything to stop the devastating consequences of a lightning strike. Leaders need to communicate this and establish a culture of lightning safety. Giving crew members stop work authority when they feel their hair stand on end or hear the sound of thunder provides reassurance that you have crew safety topmost in your concerns. A robust, well documented and communicated lightning safety plan is the mark of a professional business, not a lack of strength or bravado.
If you do not have some form of predictive warning system available on the jobsite, the "30-second rule" states that if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, you should seek shelter. Workers should:
■ Stop work: including all roofing, scaffolding and ladder activities
■ Unplug tools: if it can be accomplished safely, quickly unplug electrical equipment to prevent damage from power surges
■ Clear the roof: get everyone off the roof and onto the ground immediately (do not wait for rain to start)
■ Remove metal gear: once on the ground and if it is safe to do so, workers should remove metal tool belts, safety harnesses and hard hats to avoid severe burns if a strike occurs in the area
An enclosed, completed building is the primary shelter during a lightning storm. Buildings with unfinished windows and doors or that lack plumbing or electrical wiring are not sufficiently grounded and pose a hazard. If a completed building is not available in the area, then a metal-topped vehicle is an option for shelter. The windows should be rolled up and you should avoid contact with the metal frame of the vehicle. If you get caught outside with no shelter, do not lie flat on the ground. Instead, crouch low on the balls of your feet with your head tucked and hands over your ears to minimize ground contact.
Following lightning activity in the area, workers should stay sheltered for 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. Statistics show that many strikes occur on the back end of a storm.
In the event that people are struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the storm is still active and it is possible, strike victims should be moved to a sheltered area to avoid being struck again. Victims do not hold an electrical charge in their bodies after being struck and are safe to treat immediately.
Lightning strikes can often cause cardiac arrest. Check the victim's breathing and pulse. If he or she is not breathing or does not have a pulse, start CPR immediately. If there is an AED onsite, it should be used as soon as possible.
Entry and exit burn wounds should be covered with dry, sterile dressings and you should check for possible broken bones.
Finally, if multiple people are struck, anyone who is not breathing or lacks a pulse should be treated first. People who are conscious and moving are in less danger of dying.