Forensic Engineers and Consultants

Archive: Slip, Trip and Fall

Surprise Slip and Slides  

Falls were the number one cause of preventable non-fatal injuries and the number two cause of preventable deaths in the US in 2019 (CDC and NEISS data). Slip and falls occur when there is an unexpected loss of traction between a person’s foot and the walking surface.  Slip and falls are common and can occur in any setting where people walk, including homes, workplaces, and public areas. Slip and falls can result in serious injuries, particularly for older adults.

The human gait cycle consists of four phases: Read More

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Differences in Slip Resistance of Materials used in Walking Surfaces

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As an experienced safety consultant, I’m called on to investigate a wide range of premises liability incidents. In any slip and fall investigation it is important to assess the type of walking surface material involved and its corresponding slip resistance.

Slip resistance is a critical factor to consider when choosing the right flooring material for any space. It’s especially important in areas that are prone to moisture, spills, or other hazards that could make floors slippery and dangerous. A slip-resistant surface can help reduce the risk of Read More

If There is a Human, There are Human Factors

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If there is a human involved in the case, there is a good chance that human factors theories and principles will be applicable. Human factors is the study of people interacting with their surrounding environment. A human factors expert applies their knowledge of human capabilities and limitations to each unique case to assess the physical, sensory, and cognitive factors that caused a person to behave a certain way within the surrounding environment.

Consider the following situations in which a human factors expert would be beneficial: Read More

The Impact of Technology on Slip and Fall Incidents

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I have investigated hundreds of slip and fall incidents in my career. Today, we have new tools and technology available to assist investigators in conducting forensic investigations to determine the cause or causes of these incidents and to assist owners and operators in loss preventions efforts to minimize the potential of slip and fall incidents. Read More

Painting of Handicap Ramps

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As an experienced safety consultant, I’m called on to investigate a wide range of premises liability incidents. One common premises liability incident that often results in serious injury is a fall on a handicap ramp. There are at least four types of handicap ramps – flare side, parallel, returned curb and built-up. Read More

A Steep Price: Improperly sloped curb ramps increase the potential of serious pedestrian injury

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As an experienced safety consultant, I’m called to investigate a wide range of premises liability incidents. One common premises incident that often results in serious injury is a fall on a curb ramp. There are at least four types of curb ramps: flare side, parallel, returned curb and built-up. This post will focus primarily on flare side curb ramps which are the most common type constructed today. Read More

Who is Responsible for a “Booby Trap” Opening on a Roof Top? Part 3

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As an experienced safety consultant, I have investigated many incidents in my career in which a worker “falls through an opening.”  The majority of these incidents have occurred at construction sites and most resulted in serious injury or death. Read More

Safety Inspections for Outdoor Decks are Necessary

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The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) recognizes the month of May as Deck Safety Month®. This is the time of the year to get serious and take the necessary steps to safeguard your deck so that it is enjoyable not only for your family, but your friends and any visitors. The NADRA has a deck safety program and they just released a video in an effort to save lives and prevent injuries and to protect your family and friends. Read More

Why did he fall off the edge? – Part 2 of series on Fall Through Openings

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As an experienced safety consultant, I have investigated many incidents in which a worker falls through an opening.  The majority of these types of fall incidents have occurred at construction sites and most resulted in a serious injury or death. Read More

Where did that hole come from? Part I

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As an experienced safety consultant, I have investigated many incidents in my career in which a worker “falls through an opening.”  The majority of these incidents have occurred at construction sites and most of the ones I investigated resulted in a serious injury or death. Read More

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