Trips

A trip is when the momentum of a foot is impeded by an object to the extent that a loss of balance occurs.  Some common causes include foreign objects in walking paths (wheel stops in parking lots, torn carpet, etc.), sudden changes in elevation (jagged sidewalk expansion joints, unexpected steps, etc.), or even inattention and/or familiar complacency (knew it was there but forgot). How do you think a cell phone might contribute to a pedestrian’s attention or inattention?

Did you know that a change in elevation on a walkway surface greater than ¼ inch is likely to be non-code compliant and creates a potentially unsafe walking surface?

Slips

Slips arise from the failure of traction on the interface between the footwear and the walking surface. Four factors that affect footwear traction include floor surface, contaminants on the floor, footwear, and human gait dynamics. Can you identify which of these factors are controllable and which are not? Part of slip accident investigation includes being able to identify the elements of the accident in these four factors and then provide analysis and evaluation as to the proper specification and execution of these elements. Traci Campbell, P.E., CXLT and our team of engineers and technicians have the expertise and experience to answers these critical questions for you.

Coefficient of Friction and slip resistance of surfaces also plays a big role in slip accidents. Traci Campbell, P.E., CLXT is a certified XL Tribometrist and able to assess the slip resistance of your floor and advise on how it plays a role in your accident.

Position Filled

BEC Consulting LLC,  has the following immediate opening:

Graduate engineer to assist with work involving engineering, accident reconstruction and product liability analysis.  

Candidates with related experience or education in mechanical engineering,  automotive mechanics, police investigation techniques, project management, AutoCad, Pro-E, Rhinoceros, HVE, Mathcad, SolidWorks, Office-Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Pinnacle Studio-Or video editing software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Photoshop, or Google Earth preferred however, all interested candidates should apply.  

This is a great opportunity to train in forensic engineering.  Position is responsible for assisting an engineering team with project case management for multiple concurrent projects, field work and site investigations, graphics presentations, deposition and other file material summarization, engineering calculations, research and other technical/engineering services.  

For this position, interpersonal and communication skills are essential.  Experience working with insurance companies and legal practitioners a plus.  Individual should possess strong analytical skills, have the ability to work in a team environment, meet deadlines, strong computer graphic skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary commensurate with education/experience and competitive benefit package.  Non-smoker.  Limited travel may be applicable.  Apply on line @ www.becconsult.com or mail resume, salary requirements and work availability to:  HR (Eng.), 3660 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida  32303 or Fax 850-575-8454. EOE/Drug Free Work Place.

Falls

A fall occurs when you leave an erect position suddenly and involuntarily. Many times a fall will result from being unable to recover your balance from a slip or a trip. Some common causes of falls including uneven floor surfaces, unsuitable floor coverings, unguarded holes or openings, wet floors, changes in levels, poor lighting, and poor housekeeping. Being able to assess the root cause of a fall can be critical in the evaluation of an accident.

Falls are often associated with other safety issues such as guarding, slip resistance, and equipment operation. Traci Campbell, P.E., CXLT and our team of engineers and technicians can help put all the pieces of the puzzle together and give you a full scope analysis of your accident.

What About Construction Zone and Roadside Safety?

Construction zones can be a dangerous place for motorists, pedestrians, and construction personnel. When an accident does occur, you need the right team to analyze the situation. Dr. Brian Pfeifer, and our team of engineers and technicians will evaluate the maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan to determine whether or not it was developed and executed properly.

Even after the construction is over, roadside safety is critical to the traveling public. Roadside appurtenances such as guardrails, bridge rails, crash cushions, and sign supports are installed along roadways for this very reason. To maintain safety, however, proper implementation of these devices is crucial. Our engineers have training and experience unique to these issues and can assist you in evaluating your case.

BEC Announces Cell Phone Forensics Capabilities

In an effort to continuously expand and refine our service offerings, BEC is always looking into what
tools, software and equipment will best suit the needs of our clients. With the popularity of cell phones, GPS units, and other mobile devices, everyone knows there is a wealth of data contained inside these portable computers and now we have the ability to access that information. Location data, phone usage, and times and dates of calls/messages can be the silver bullet to winning your case.  The following are just a few of the things BEC can now provide via download from a cell phone or mobile device:

• Calls, SMS (text messages), MMS (multimedia messages)
• Media, emails, calendar, and contact files
• Location information decoded from apps, GPS, cell towers, Wi-Fi and media files
• Direction and route traveled

BEC’s new cell phone forensics capabilities can give you the data you need to help visualize the big picture. This data can be provided to you with a proven and repeatable forensic process and in a robust, but easy to read report structure.

If you have any questions about our new capabilities, please contact Chris Yates at 904-707-5480 or via email at cyates@becind.com.

BEC on the Road

Summer is in full gear and BEC is out and about. We have several conferences lined up for August, so if you would like to come out and meet one of our representatives we look forward to you doing so.

July 30th - August 1st: BEC will be attending the GTLA 2015 Auto Torts Workshop at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort, in Destin, FL. Erich Breedlove will be attending and exhibit set up is in the Coastal Ballroom Foyer . Erich will also be available through Saturday evening for further one-on-one meetings as needed.

August 7th - August 8th: There will be multiple BEC representatives on-hand for the FDLA 2015 Annual Meeting at The Vinoy Renaissance, in St Petersburg, FL. Dr. Brian Pfeifer will be there and available for the full event. On Friday, Richard Lackinger from our Orlando office will also be on hand, and on Saturday Pat Weber from our Venice office will be attending. We will be located in the foyer at table #11 and look forward to seeing you there.

August 13th: Chris Yates, from our Jacksonville office will be attending the JJA Membership Meeting at the River City Brewing Company in Jacksonville, FL. If you would like an appointment with Chris at this event or any other time please send him an email at CYates@BECind.com.

August 27th: The PBCJA Barrister's Bash is being held at Revolutions City Place in West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Pfeifer will be attending.   If you would like to arrange to speak with Dr. Pfeifer while in the area, please email him at BPfeifer@BECind.com.

As always, please also contact our main office located in Tallahassee, FL @ 850-558-3100, we look forward to working with you.