By: Kristopher J. Seluga, PE
Tel: (203) 329-9909
Email: Technology Associates
Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) is a branch of science, which is concerned with man's interaction with his universe. Thus, it is not simply the study of pure science (e.g. sound or light), but rather man's understanding and reactions (e.g. to hear and see). Similarly, man's perception and reaction to stimuli such as flashing lights, buzzers, alarms, and warnings and instructions are areas with which human factors is concerned. In addition, the ability to perform tasks under various environmental conditions is also of concern. The HFE society is represented in almost equal numbers by psychologists and individuals in the physical sciences who cooperate to solve.
We have extensive experience in many aspects of human factors including:
Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:
Pool Diving Accident:
A young lad attended a Bible-Class function at which a 3½ foot high swimming pool was supplied for recreation. The boy dived into the pool off a trampoline supplied on the pool's deck. He struck his head rendering him a paraplegic. He received a substantial settlement after we analyzed the accident and determined that it was caused by grossly negligent adult behavior and inadequate supervision.
Tall Man Strikes Head on Public Ceiling:
An unusually tall (6' 5") man struck his head in a municipal garage when walking to his parked car. The case settled after we pointed out that the location of his injury was well lit and not in a pedestrian passageway. Furthermore, we argued that being in the upper 1% in height of the population, that he has had to spend his entire adult lifetime avoiding low doorways, overhead staircases, chandeliers, and plane cabins and entrances.
Kristopher J. Seluga, PE, is a Mechanical Engineering, Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanics, and Safety Expert with over 20 years of experience. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Mechanical Engineering department at MIT where he worked on the development of novel three-dimensional printing technologies. Mr. Seluga is also a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and Connecticut, and has served as a member of the ANSI engineering committee for the Z130.1 and Z135 standards for golf cars and PTV's. His research interests and peer reviewed publications span the topics of Motor Vehicle Dynamics, Product Safety, and Biomechanics.
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7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Codes & Standards
Codes and standards specify criteria necessary to ensure that a product, material or process will consistently and safely perform its intended function. Although standards provide minimum design requirements, conforming to a standard is not always sufficient in preventing an accident.
7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Seatbelts
Motor vehicle seatbelt use provides highly effective protection in frontal collisions for impact angles up to 30 degrees off-center (i.e. between 11 and 1 o’clock). All states have laws requiring their use for front seat passengers, as they have been shown to reduce moderate to severe injuries by 50%. They are less effective when your car is hit in the rear or side and sometimes their locking devices malfunction or the anchorage gives way.
9/6/2017· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Case Study: Retained by Plaintiff Injured Motorist
By: Richard Beaubien
A motorist exiting a rural freeway was struck by a motorist on the intersecting State Route at the top of the exit ramp. At the westbound exit ramp from the Interstate freeway the State Route a stop sign is posted at the end of the ramp requiring exiting traffic to stop before entering the State Route. However, the eastbound off ramp traffic is not required to stop before entering the State Route. A stop sign is posted on southbound State Route at the ramp terminal. This is an unusual traffic signing pattern for interstate off ramps. Expert observations of the operation of this intersection showed that a large proportion of the eastbound off ramp traffic slowed down at the end of the ramp, expecting to stop at the State Route.
