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Categories of HPW Expertise  

Vehicle Accidents/Occupant Kinematics

• Numerous incidents to determine which of two occupants involved in fatal auto accidents was driving. Vehicle and site inspection data plus evaluation of injuries were incorporated in the analysis to determine who was driving.
• Comparative analysis of the effect of a seat belt on injury prevention and restraint versus the actual outcome of ejection and resulting injuries. Vehicle dynamics were examined and their effect on occupant dynamics evaluated and compared to recorded injuries.
• A number of cases involving low to medium speed rear-end impacts. Cases are typically evaluated using risk factors and occupant kinematics to identify injury mechanisms. Consistency between actions and injuries play an important role.

Industrial Design/Human Factors/Product Liability

• Determination of contributing factors in several nail gun accidents. Issues assessed included the adequacy of the design relative to human performance capabilities, expected use patterns and use and effect of warnings.
• Evaluation of the adequacy of the design of a machine relative to safety when cleaning and operating. The evaluation included site and product examination coupled with an analysis of human perceptions and expectations.
• Several instances involving shoe failures (including golf, walking and baseball shoes) have been evaluated to determine their effect on injuries while properly performing the activity.

Slips, Trips and Falls

• Evaluation of numerous slip, trip and fall accidents to determine the contributions of the individuals versus the environment. These cases typically involve a detailed evaluation of the site in relationship to the perceptions, expectations and assumptions of the individual.
• Evaluation of the causes of a fall while descending a stairway. The primary issue was whether small deviations in riser heights and tread slopes could alter performance sufficiently to result in the claimed fall.