Citation

Brokenshire B, Cairns FJ, Koelmeyer TD, Smeeton WM, Tie AB. N. Zeal. Med. J. 1984; 97(751): 139-142.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

6584755

Abstract

This paper reviews the circumstances of 95 fatalities from electrical injuries. Eighty-nine were accidental, four were suicides and two occurred during autoerotic electrical stimulation. Forty-nine of the accidental fatalities occurred at work, Twenty-eight in the home and twelve in the course of outside recreational activities. In many accidents the circumstances were distressingly similar and included: (1) Contact with overhead distribution lines by a length of conductor such as a yacht mast or crane. (2) Faulty wiring or electrical repairs performed by unqualified people. (3) Badly deteriorated cords, plugs and occasionally appliances. (4) Failure to use isolating transformers when indicated. Deaths involving children are a particular cause of concern. Nine fatalites involved children under the age of five years who contacted inadequately protected wires.