Forensic Engineering Experts: Human Factors

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.

Expertise

We have extensive experience in many aspects of human factors including:

• Participating in ANSI safety committees and warning label task forces.
• We have an extensive library dealing with safety warnings and human body sizes and strengths.
• We have been active members of the HFE society for many years.

Questions Answered

Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:

• Was the warning clear, unambiguous and well placed?
• Was sufficient lighting available to avoid tripping in the parking garage?
• Was the ceiling too low for public use of a particular area?

Case Examples

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.

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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