PHOENIX — General manager John Lynch was prepared to answer questions from free agents the 49ers were interested in signing.
But not one, he said, asked this offseason about the electrical substation next door to the team’s practice facility.
The 49ers hired an independent scientist to look into the conspiracy theory that the electrical substation might be in some way connected to the injuries that have impacted San Francisco in recent seasons, Lynch said Sunday at the NFL Annual Meeting.
“It was basically a big nothing burger,” Lynch said. “We’re safe.”
The 49ers did not disclose the name of the scientist hired to determine the level of safety of the team’s workplace in Santa Clara.
The scientist came to the 49ers’ practice facility around Levi’s Stadium with “lab-grade equipment.”
Measurements were taken throughout the facility, including the practice field, weight room, cafeteria, meeting room and player areas.
The findings, according to the 49ers, was an exposure level similar to what would be expected at a typical workplace or commercial gym.
“We’re in a safe place at work,” Lynch said. “The levels are, I think I read in there, 400 times less than unsafe zones. And so it’s a normal place of work.”
The conspiracy theory gained traction online, which speculated there was a correlation between the electrical magnetic force from the substation to the injuries the team have experienced.
The electrical substation predated the 49ers’ move to Santa Clara in 1988.
“We are safe,” Lynch said. “We’re healthy, and we feel really good about that.”
The 49ers signed such free agents as wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, as well as offensive linemen Vederian Lowe, Brett Toth and Robert Jones. San Francisco also re-signed Dre Greenlaw this offseason.
“That was important to us, to not just turn a blind eye but to look into it because it’s our players’ wellness,” Lynch said. “It’s not just our players, it’s coaches, staff, all that. It’s encouraging. I felt like it would be that way, but it’s encouraging that it came out in a good place.”
