An “unusual” lightning strike during a Tuesday morning snowstorm shocked two construction workers in West Valley City, the company said, and sent them to the hospital in critical condition.
The workers were at a site adjacent to the the West Valley City Police Department, which is near 3600 South and 2700 West, where Layton Construction is building a new police facility, according to police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku, when the incident occurred about 7:45 a.m.
The workers, who were both steel erectors, were standing on girders at about the level of the second floor, bringing decking into place, when they were shocked, according to Layton Construction spokesman Alan Rindlisbacher. They were taken to the hospital in critical condition, according to Vainuku.
After the incident, workers from Rocky Mountain Power came to the site to investigate but couldn’t find any indication that the shock was caused mechanically, Rindlisbacher said.
Based on information gathered from witnesses, it appeared that the snowstorm had produced the “errant and unusual lightning” that struck the workers.
The crew at the scene was following all standard precautions and safety protocol for inclement weather, Rindlisbacher said, but the lightning strike was an unforeseen circumstance that resulted in the workers’ injuries.
Rindlisbacher said the company’s biggest concern is for the safety of its workers and, going forward, it will take into consideration the “new things” learned from this unfortunate circumstance.
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