Forensic human factors and ergonomics analysis of a trip and fall event in a parking lot

Built (constructed) environments should have level surfaces to promote mobility and avoid injuries from trips and falls. Wheel stops (usually long concrete slabs with metal bolts to hold them in place) are some- times placed in parking lots to limit and control how drivers position their vehicle in designated spaces. However, they present potential problems for pedestrians traversing through the area as they can cause trips and falls. A forensic human factors and ergonomics (HFE) analysis of a trip and fall event involving a wheel stop and its bolts in a parking lot is presented. The factors of visual obstruction, salience, attention, expectancy, and relevance issues are discussed. Additionally, an alter- native analysis involving hazard control is presented. Potential solutions to limit risk to pedestrians and property owners are described. Relevance to human factors/ergonomics theory Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) theory, principles and methods are used to analyze a specific injury scenario. The article shows how human information processing theory and hazard control can be applied in forensic HFE.