Many industrial worksites rely on heavy equipment for its durability, strength, and high-performance features. However, these valuable assets are vulnerable to the forces of nature, particularly lightning—the second highest cause of weather-related fatalities and injuries. Explore different reasons why heavy equipment should have lightning detectors and how they can enhance worksites.

Investment Protection

Cranes, bulldozers, and excavators are significant financial investments. Heavy equipment like cranes and bulldozers have a greater chance of attracting lightning because of their height. A single lightning strike can cause substantial damage or even total equipment loss. Equipment with lightning detectors can alert operators of an approaching storm and lightning dangers, encouraging them to protect machinery.

Operator Safety

Lightning strikes pose a serious risk to equipment operators. Large machinery has a higher chance of getting struck by lightning, putting operators at risk of electrocution and subsequent injuries, such as burns and blunt trauma. In some cases, death is also possible. Lightning detectors can notify operators of an incoming storm so they can exit the job site and seek shelter.

Operational Efficiency

Lightning damage can result in costly repairs and extended downtime of machinery, disrupting project timelines. With a reliable lightning detection system, heavy equipment operators can store machines safely and evacuate the work site before a storm hits. Minimizing risks of equipment destruction and worker injuries also maintains a worksite’s efficiency.

OSHA Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)

Adding lightning detectors to heavy-duty machinery aligns with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). OSHA requires employers to establish emergency procedures for severe weather threats, which include lightning strikes. A major requirement of an EAP for lightning safety is how workers are notified of lightning warnings. Lightning detectors satisfy that requirement and provide a reliable means to alert workers of lightning threats. Lightning detectors also ensure employees move to safety in a timely manner, adhering to the execution of OSHA’s mandated emergency evacuation procedures.

Heavy equipment should have lightning detectors for many reasons. No matter the machinery or worksite, lightning detectors greatly improve many aspects of heavy equipment operations, from safety to efficiency. Check out TALOS’s lightning detectors for heavy machineryto improve your heavy equipment with lightning safety.