Electrocution: a review of 155 cases with emphasis on human factors.

A review of 155 cases of electrocution were investigated to determine the role of human factors, such as carelessness and intoxication, as contributions. The cases were retrieved by computer coding from the repository of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, covering the period 1955-1988. The cases are predominantly of military origin. Cases were divided into low-voltage electrocution (N = 47), high-voltage electrocution (N = 79), lightning strikes (N = 16), and unclassified (N = 13). For each group, data is presented on the circumstances of the incident and the pathologic findings. Blatant carelessness, misuse or improper maintenance of equipment, and intoxication are analyzed as contributory factors.