1:15-2:15 p.m. Registration & Refreshments

Transcription

1 ESI Headquarters 4215 Campus Drive, Aurora 1:15-2:15 p.m. Registration & Refreshments Arrive, register, mingle & enjoy light beverages & snacks 2:15-3:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions (Choose One) Event Data Recorders in Passenger Vehicles Presented by: G. Stanley Sangdahl, P.E., Senior Consultant This presentation will include a discussion of the history and technology of vehicle Event Data Recorders (EDRs) that record data of various operational aspects of an automobile before, during, and after a collision. Additional topics will include what vehicles are equipped with EDRs, the data available, how it can be used in determining the root cause of an accident, the accessibility of that data in obtaining the material evidence critical in determining claim and legal responsibilities for damages incurred, and how it can be used by claims professionals or attorneys in making preliminary evaluations of insurance or legal claims. Current status of the Federal Regulations that took effect in 2013 and 2015 that govern how and what data is recorded, and who may access that data will also be reviewed. Thursday November 3rd 1:15 p.m. Registration & Refreshments 2:15-4:30 p.m. Complimentary Education 4:30-7:00 p.m. Reception, Facility Tours & Demonstrations For more information on this event visit or contact: Bear LP. Ferguson Engineering Systems Inc Campus Drive, Aurora, IL , blferguson@engsys.com

2 Methods of Accident Reconstruction: Biomechanical and Human Factors Considerations Speaker: Erick H. Knox, Ph.D., P.E., Principal & Director of Biomechanical & Safety Engineering Accident reconstruction involving consumer products and industrial equipment often requires claims and litigation personnel to obtain biomechanical and/or human factors analyses to help determine the root cause of an accident scenario. This presentation covers a new systematic method, incorporating numerous components of the sciences of biomechanics and human factors, using the scientific method as the framework for evaluating competing theories of the same incident. At the core of this method is developing scientific data or information that can be used to support or refute competing accident reconstruction theories, along with how to use a technical expert with this process in your accident reconstruction process. Accessibility Laws: Which Ones Apply to Your Case? Presented by: Robert A. Plichta, AIA, NCARB, CPP, Senior Consultant/Forensic Architect This presentation introduces the many accessibility laws that currently exist, where they are applicable, and how they might impact your case. Further discussion will identify who shares in the responsibility of accessibility compliance and review of the major categories within the guidelines. Three case studies will be presented, focused on the failures of compliance. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions (Choose One) Claims & Litigation Involving Electrical Accidents and Injuries Speaker: Thomas J. Bajzek, P.E., CFEI, Principal & Director of Fire, Process Electrical Groups This presentation will focus on the litigation and claims resulting from the related injuries caused by electrical accidents, with emphasis on the determination of breach of duty and accident factual causations. It will also familiarize attorneys and insurance claims personnel with the basics of electricity and electrical safety engineering, as well as with the potential hazards inherent with electrical systems and equipment. Software Failure: Different Than Hardware Failure Speaker: Timothy W. Athan, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Consultant This presentation discusses how the software and hardware development processes are distinctly different, as well as how evaluation of the software failure differs from the evaluation of hardware failure. Methods do not exist to verify that software is error free; rather it is acknowledged that every size-

3 able software program contains errors. This shifts the focus of failure analysis from the software product to software development - did the software developer make every reasonable effort to reduce hazard? Human Factors: The Root Cause of Accidents Speaker: Jack L. Auflick, Ph.D., Senior Consultant This presentation discusses how 60-90% of all accidents are caused by human error. This data has a major impact in determining liability when settling a legal matter or an insurance claim. Research shows system complexity has grown while human factors remain limited. It also discusses case studies that demonstrate how human factors limit sensation and perception, which should be considered in most instances where accident reconstruction is required. 4:30-7:00 p.m. Reception, Facility Tours and Special Demonstrations Featured Speakers Timothy W. Athan, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Consultant Dr. Athan investigates incidents pertaining to product performance with an emphasis on software behavior. His decades of work experience have spanned automotive, aerospace, and power generation. He also has substantial governmental regulatory experience. Dr. Athan s experience with control systems and software development enable him to evaluate the role software played in an incident. One important aspect of software performance is the computer interface that humans use to in- teract with the software. Dr. Athan can analyze how the software can affect product safety and robust- ness. Dr. Athan s experience in design optimization, dynamic system simulation, and test methods, (design of experiments, engineering statistics, and data analysis) are directly applicable to product development programs. Jack L. Auflick, Ph.D., Senior Consultant Dr. Auflick specializes in human factors and engineering psychology, experimental design, risk assessment, and the analysis of human error within complex and hazardous operational environments. This expertise includes human visual-perceptual processes applied to humanmachine interfaces for automotive, industrial, and medical device applications, including driver distraction, conspicuity, night time vision, warnings, procedures and instructions, usability, and crash avoidance. Research has included experimental and analytical studies of driver workload, air traffic controller behavior with new interfaces, and human-computer interaction for various touch interface devices.

4 Thomas J. Bajzek, P.E., CFEI, Principal & Director of Fire, Process Electrical Groups Mr. Bajzek is an electrical engineer with experience in electrical and electronic systems design and analysis, electrical safety assessment, electrical accident reconstruction, and electrical equipment failure analysis. He has conducted complex, multidisciplinary failure investigations per- taining to industrial and consumer products, medical devices, vehicles, and aircraft. He has provided testimony in matters pending before both state and federal courts. Mr. Bajzek has been involved in the investigation of electrical accidents, fires, and explosions for over 15 years. In addition, he has 30 years experience in research, product development, and design. This includes medical product development, analog and digital circuit design, and electromagnetic heating system design. His experience includes design consulting and laboratory and field testing. Erick H. Knox, Ph.D., P.E., Principal & Director of Biomechanical & Safety Engineering Dr. Knox is a biomechanical engineer with over twenty years of experience in the field of biomechanics. He specializes in biomechanical analysis, determination of injury causation and mechanisms, ergonomics and human factors analysis, accident investigation and reconstruction, mechanical testing and failure analysis, human motion analysis including occupant kinematics, and biomedical devices. Robert A. Plichta, AIA, NCARB, CPP, Senior Consultant/Forensic Architect Mr. Plichta focuses his practice primarily in the areas of premises liability, construction defects and code compliance to law firms, insurance companies, property managers and condo/home owner associations. His work includes the investigation, analysis, code compliance, installation methods, maintenance and repair solutions of buildings and sites, building envelope failures, slip/trip/ fall incidents, loading dock accidents, ADA compliance, construction site accidents and standard of care. Mr. Plichta has over 30 years experience in the architectural field along with 5 years experience as an adjunct college educator and firefighter/emt. His architectural experience includes project types such as: commercial, educational, industrial, hospital, medical clinics, multifamily, senior living, retail, mixed use, hi-end custom residential and urban infill. He holds an OSHA certification along with numerous architectural state licenses throughout the United States. He also possesses knowledge and experience with structural systems, building foundation systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and fire sprinkler systems. G. Stanley Sangdahl, P.E., Senior Consultant Mr. Sangdahl has a degree in mechanical engineering and more than 30 years of diverse experience in engineering consulting, mechanical and metallurgical testing, forensic engineering and project management. He specializes in the areas of vehicular component and systems failure analysis, vehicle dynamics and accident reconstruction. Mr. Sangdahl has

5 been trained and certified to retrieve and analyze vehicle event data recorders and is nationally accredited in accident reconstruction. He has in-depth knowledge and experience of automotive seat performance issues, and light bulb filament analysis. Additionally, he has investigated incidents and failures involving commercial, industrial, construction and farm equipment, aircraft, water craft, and rail road equipment. He has extensive experience in the field of photogrammetry, image analysis, and geographic information systems. Mr. Sangdahl has testified at deposition and trial numerous times in state and federal courts. Continuing Legal Education Credit and Continuing Education Credit We will apply for 2.0 hours of CLE Credit in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana and 2.4 hours of CLE Credit in Missouri & Wisconsin. In addition, we have an application pending for 2.0 hours of Illinois and Texas CE Credit. Registration Registration for this event is COMPLIMENTARY, thanks to the generosity of Engineering Systems Inc. Please register online at or return this form to: IDC, PO Box 588, Rochester, IL Attendee: Organization: Address: City/ST/Zip: Phone: Special Dietary/Accessibility Needs: Questions? Please contact the IDC at