NCJ Number
138339
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1992) Pages: 1016-1022
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A total of 155 cases of electrocution were investigated to determine the role of such human factors as carelessness and intoxication.
Abstract
Cases were selected from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology for the 1955-1988 period and were divided into low-voltage electrocution, high-voltage electrocution, lightning strikes, and unclassified. Factors that contributed to low-voltage electrocution included intoxication, the use of electrical devices on wet surfaces, or faulty electrical devices. Factors associated with high- voltage electrocution involved the manipulation of antennae or similar devices near overhead wires and blatant carelessness. Lightning deaths tended to occur in open spaces. Toxicological studies were conducted in less than half the cases, but a positive blood alcohol count that might impair function and contribute to an accident was noted in 19 of 61 cases tested. In many cases, the blood alcohol count was greater than 0.15 percent, and other evidence of intoxication was observed. Amphetamines were found in one case, and LSD was found in one victim's pocket. The authors conclude that understanding human and behavioral factors associated with electrocution may contribute to improved safety. 19 references, 2 tables, and 6 figures