Westside Engineering - Slip/Trip Fall Analysis

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SLIP/TRIP FALL ANALYSIS

Primarily used for litigation assistance or for insurance carriers to determine liability.

Coefficient of friction testing is also typically requested by the flooring manufacturer wishing to know if their flooring complies with the regulatory or industry standards.

Dynamic and static coefficient of friciton can be measured on resilient and non-resilient flooring. Resilient and non-resilient flooring is usually installed on interior or exterior walkways, stairs, or rampways. Coefficient of friction of interior or exterior cement walkways can also be measured. Coeffecient of friciton can be measured in the laboratory or the field.

The results of the coefficient of friction can be compared with regulatory and/or industry standards, if requested.

Field and laboratory dynamic coefficient of friction is measured using a National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Sigler Pendulum Impact Tester. Laboratory static coefficient of friction is measured using a James Machine.

Walkway, ramp, handrail, and stair design are also typically requested to be analyzed and compared with any city or Uniform Building Codes (UBC) to determine compliance or non-compliance.

The Trip obstruction is also primarily used for litigation assistance or for insurance carriers to determine liability. Trip obstructions are measured, photgraphed and analyzed for the possibility of causing a trip and fall to occur. The trip obstruction is also compared with any city or Uniform Building Codes to determine compliance or non-compliance.

Shoe design can be an important contribution to a slip or trip accident. Shoe characteristics which typically can contribute to a slip or trip are high heel shoes with large moment arm force, non-encapsulated heel or toe platform, hard sole and heel material, and open toe and heels sandals. Sport shoes can contribute to injuries due to improper design or poor manufacturing techniques.