By: Dr. Irving Ojalvo
Tel: (800) 358-9909
Fax: (888) 358-9901
Email: Technology Associates
Forklifts, industrial trucks, skid steer loaders, bobcats and other similar material-handling machines are often difficult to maneuver and susceptible to a wide range of accidents. Their nature exposes operators and nearby co-workers to falling loads, crushing hazards and lading dock falls. Large loads and high centers of gravity also make these machines prone to tip-over accidents. To mitigate some of these dangers, machines are usually equipped with Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS), Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPR) and other forms of guarding. Machine speed and braking acceleration is often controlled electronically to reduce the likelihood of a tip-over.
At Technology Associates our testing, research and analysis capabilities include:
Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:
Missing Locking Pin:
A forklift operator was lifting a large load while an assistant was standing nearby observing the operation. Suddenly, one fork shifted its position and caused the load to fall onto the assistant, causing a severe crush injury. Upon inspection of the machine, Technology Associates identified a missing fork locking pin, which allowed the fork to move unexpectedly and caused the accident, indicating that the accident was the result of improper maintenance.
Forklift Intrusion:
The driver of an upright lift truck crashed into a metal railing when the truck's brakes malfunctioned. The broken railing intruded into operator compartment causing serious leg injuries. We created a biomechanical model to show that the intruding railing caused the injury, as opposed to the defense's claim that the operator stuck her foot out. We also showed that a door would have been an appropriate safety device that would have prevented her injuries, resulting in a substantial jury award.
Dr. Irving Ojalvo was, at the time of this article's publication, the Chairman of Technology Associates (www.technology-assoc.com), a forensic engineering firm with offices in New York City and Connecticut. The firm's technical personnel, all of whom have advanced degrees, perform accident reconstruction involving issues of biomechanics, mechanical, traffic, and human factors engineering.
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7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Computer Simulation
When an understanding of complex motions associated with various accidents is required, computer simulation is an invaluable tool, which allows the modeling and visualization of rollovers and collisions. In addition to vehicle accidents, computer simulation can also be used to create many other systems of masses and contacting surfaces, such as a toppling light pole after it has been struck.
10/23/2012· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Low Speed Automobile Collisions
Low speed motor vehicle collisions are a common occurrence. The use of cellular phones, text messaging, and e-mailing while driving has only increased the frequency of low speed motor vehicle collisions. A motor vehicle collision where there is only minor damage to the vehicles may result in personal injury claims for substantial sums.
7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Retail Stores
Supermarkets, pharmacies, home improvement, and department stores expose their customers to many potential accident sources such as floors and aisles, which can become unsafe, and display merchandize that can topple or cause tripping. To prevent such accidents from occurring, these establishments should maintain routine scheduled inspections to insure that unsafe conditions are detected and corrected before accidents occur.
