Final answer:
Electrical accidents can be caused by a combination of high electric current causing thermal and shock hazards, along with the failure of preventive safety mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrical accidents are often caused by a combination of three crucial factors: the presence of a high electric current that can create thermal hazards, the interaction of this current with the human body resulting in shock hazards, and the failure of safety mechanisms designed to prevent such accidents. Thermal hazards occur when excessive electric power results in undesired heating effects, which can cause fires or other damages. Shock hazards arise when electric current passes through a person, which can range from mildly painful to fatal, depending on the current's magnitude and the body's path.
Prevention of these hazards involves the correct rating of wires and appliances to prevent overloading, and the use of fuses and circuit breakers to limit excessive currents. Devices such as defibrillators can also be used in response to shock-induced heart issues.