ELECTROCUTION DUE TO CONTACT OF INDUSTRIAL-EQUIPMENT WITH POWER-LINES

Electrocution due to contact of construction equipment with power line s is not uncommon as a source of industrial injury. We report seven su ch cases. Two patients sustained cardiac arrest and were successfully resuscitated at the scene. Four patients lost consciousness and ill tw o cases, amnesia for the event was encountered. No long-term cardiac o r neurologic effects were noted. Surgery including amputation was some times required. In all cases, the patient was on the ground touching t he machinery or touching cables connected to the machinery at the time of injury. Tile importance of exercising due care in industrial safet y measures is stressed. Prompt CPR was life saving in two cases. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.