Be Aware of These Common Safety Myths

Originally published by Bob Kraft .

The National Safety Council promotes data-driven safety management systems backed by scientific research and statistics. The Council has published injury facts for more than 90 years based on data from various sources such as surveys and statistics, and also publishes The Journal of Safety Research. The Council works to raise awareness of safety issues and give consumers solid information to work and live more safely. Information like this helps counter unsafe practices and common safety myths.

Myths about Lightning Safety

The National Weather Service reports on common myths about lightning safety. An old saying, “Lightning never strikes twice” or “Lightning never strikes the same place twice” is a very common misperception. The NWS cites the fact that the Empire State Building is struck almost 100 times a year, and says lightning often strikes tall pointy objects repeatedly.

Other myths about lightning safety include:

• If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds, you’re not in danger from lightning. The NWS reports that lightning often strikes far outside the center of the storm.


• If you’re inside a building, you’re safe from lighting. In fact, lightning during storms can conduct electricity into corded phones, appliances, plumbing, and metal doors.


• A person struck by lightning is electrified and shouldn’t be touched. Once someone has been struck by lightning and the incident is over, it’s safe to help them because the human body doesn’t store electricity.

Myths about Food Safety

The National Sanitation Foundation works to safeguard the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment. The Foundation reports on several food myths that put people at risk in their own kitchens. People think food in the fridge can’t spoil or be cross-contaminated because of the cold temperatures, but the NSF reports that bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, grows in cold temperatures, and refrigerators often harbor Listeria and salmonella.

Myth about Steel-Toed Boots

Steel-toed safety boots are made with steel, aluminum or composite materials. Some people think that wearing steel-toed boots risks getting your toes amputated. The myth is that the steel in the toe of the boots can curl in during an impact and cut off toes. This myth was tested on the TV show Mythbusters in several different ways and was found to be unwarranted.

Myths about Sun Safety

People are more aware of the perils of sun exposure today, but an American Academy of Dermatology study that shows many people still take no precaution in the sun. The general perception that tanning is healthy is a dangerous myth, and tanning beds and outdoor exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin cancer, more wrinkles earlier in life, and other skin damage. People generally think they can only get a sunburn if it’s a sunny day, but you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day if exposed without sun protection for more than a few minutes.

Myths about Electricity and Safety

The National Safety Council reported 174 worker fatalities from electrical exposure in 2011, and reports myths about electricity and safety are common. People think that electrical tools will short-out in water and reach into the water to get them back, but water conducts electricity and will injure and even kill someone in this situation.

This article is from Lori Cline, an accomplished award-winning writer who specializes in tech and gadgets, as well as beauty and women’s wellness. She lives with her daughter in the western United States.

Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.

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