Investigation of Electric Shock Injuries

Event Overview

In our every day lives we interact with electrical equipment frequently, often without thinking about it. With good product and system design, construction, use and maintenance, the electrical systems and equipment we use do not present a hazard. But when those principles go wrong, they can result in electric shocks. The resulting effects can vary widely, from an ‘unpleasant tingle’, through life-changing burn injuries, to fatal shock (electrocution).

Electrical Engineer Richard Heath will review the basic concepts of electric shocks, how they occur, and how electric shock personal injury cases are investigated.

Learning Objectives :

• Review the basic concepts of electrical shocks
• Understand how they occur
• Understand how electrical shock personal injury cases are investigated

Speaker Bio

Mr Richard Heath, Principal Associate

After obtaining a First Class Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of York in 1996, Richard began his career working for the research and development organisation of Nortel Networks, a manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, investigating methods for improving the capacity, resilience and flexibility of optical transmission networks. During this time his work generated intellectual property and he co-authored several patents.

In 2004, Richard joined Hawkins as a Forensic Investigator working on behalf of insurers, utilities providers, local authorities and private companies. He specialises in the investigation of fires, explosions and electrical engineering losses. He has undertaken many forensic investigations of fires in industrial and commercial premises. In addition he investigates domestic and vehicle/machinery fire losses. He also investigates electrical engineering failures leading to electric shocks, electrocutions, failures of alarm systems and electronic control systems, personal injuries and electrical equipment damage.

He has given evidence as an expert witness in Civil and Coroner’s Courts.

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