Late effects of low-voltage electric shock

In this project, possible delayed injuries following low voltage electric shocks were studied in a cross-sectional study of individuals who experienced electric accidents report¬ed to the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning, eastern region, 1994-2001. We examined the relationship between such accidents and health, based on a thorough exposure characteri-sation and a health examination, description of prognostic factors in the acute phase, and of acute health care follow-up. The study groups consisted of N=56 male electricians who had experienced passage of low-voltage elec¬tricity between the hands or arms, and a similar group (N=34) who had burn injuries follow¬ing light arcs without passage of current through the body. Accident circumstances were investigated to facilitate accident prevention.
All participants were given a health examination consisting of a neuro¬psychological test-battery, pure tone audiometric examination, a clinical examination of neck and shoulder, and the questionnaires “Health effects and electrical accidents. A follow-up study”, SCL-90 (Symptom Check List – 90), PTSS-10 (Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms-10 questions), and a question¬naire aimed at describing movement disorders.
The health examinations are completed. Final report to the funding source Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry was completed in 2006. Since then priority has been given to dissemination of results and experiences from the project, and more than 100 presentations have been made during the period 2005-2014, covering authorities, including national and Nordic electrical safety boards, as well as the employers and employees’ organisations, power production and distribution companies, schools, and health care professionals involved in follow-up of patients subject to electric shocks. A supplementary activity was invol¬ve¬ment in two projects run by The Swedish National Electrical Safety Board aimed at esti¬mating incidence of electrical accidents in Sweden. Data analysis is still ongoing.