Independent Slip, Trip and Fall Expert Witness Services

A Broad Perspective on Technical Evidence

This broad exposure provides valuable insight into the technical issues that can arise from different perspectives in a legal matter. Bruce has reviewed reports, testing results, photographs, maintenance and cleaning records, incident documentation and other technical evidence prepared by or relied upon by numerous other experts. As a result, his experience extends beyond individual testing assignments and provides a broad understanding of the technical issues commonly considered in slip and fall claims, trip and fall claims and pedestrian accident investigations.

Slip, Trip and Fall Investigations

Slips, trips and falls can occur as a result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may consider:

• the measured slip resistance of the pedestrian surface

• wet, dry or contaminated floor conditions

• surface type, texture, wear and deterioration

• cleaning methods, chemicals and maintenance practices

• water, oils, food residues or other contaminants

• ramps and surface gradients

• steps, stairs and landings

• changes in floor level and transitions between surfaces

• lighting and visibility

• entrance matting and water management

• warning signs and other risk controls

• footwear and pedestrian movement, where relevant

• the location and intended use of the area

• incident reports, photographs and CCTV footage

• cleaning, inspection and maintenance records

• relevant Australian Standards and technical guidance.

Testing the accident location

Where appropriate, Daniels can undertake slip resistance testing of the accident location to provide objective information about the measured performance of the surface. The investigation may also consider whether conditions at the time of testing are representative of those existing at the time of the incident and the limitations associated with any retrospective assessment.

Extensive Commercial Property Experience

Bruce has extensive experience working with commercial property owners, property managers and facility managers responsible for major pedestrian environments. This experience provides an understanding of how commercial properties are operated and maintained, including cleaning programs, inspection procedures, maintenance systems, contractor responsibilities and practical slip and trip risk management. His broader materials engineering, chemical, cleaning and risk management background also assists in understanding how flooring materials, surface treatments, cleaning chemicals, contamination and maintenance practices can influence floor slip resistance and pedestrian safety.

Experience Across Different Legal Matters

Bruce's expert witness work has involved matters for both those responsible for the management of properties and people who have sustained injuries following slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. Exposure to matters from different perspectives is important. It provides experience with the types of evidence, technical arguments and expert opinions that may arise on different sides of a legal dispute, while maintaining the fundamental responsibility of an expert witness to provide an independent and objective technical opinion based on the available evidence. Bruce's work also involves reviewing the reports and opinions of other experts. This has provided extensive exposure to different approaches to slip resistance testing, accident investigation, Australian Standards, risk assessment and the interpretation of pedestrian surface conditions.

Expert Reports and Technical Evidence

Depending on the circumstances of the matter, Daniels' expert witness services may include:

• site inspection and accident location assessment

• wet pendulum slip testing and other appropriate testing

• review of photographs, CCTV and incident information

• review of cleaning, inspection and maintenance records

• assessment of flooring materials and surface condition

• consideration of ramps, gradients, stairs and changes in level

• review of relevant Australian Standards for slip resistance

• assessment of potential slip and trip hazards

• review of reports prepared by other experts

• preparation of an independent expert witness report

• technical consultation with solicitors and insurers

• provision of expert evidence where required.

Independent Technical Opinion

The role of an expert witness is not to advocate for a particular party. Daniels' approach is to examine the available evidence, undertake appropriate testing and provide an independent technical opinion within Bruce's areas of expertise. His combination of slip resistance testing, materials engineering, commercial property, cleaning, risk management and slip, trip and fall investigation experience provides a broad technical foundation for the assessment of pedestrian accidents.