The Bell System pioneered -48VDC power sources for many reasons. One reason was the reaction of eletrons with dissimmiliar metals in a circiut. This is also called eletrolisis. Plus the information that krisha provide is also a big factor for -48VDC.
I would like to add to Mk,s reply.Also humans being +ve in nature when they come in Contact with +ve there won’t be any reaction and also humans can with stand upto 1A of current.