Slips, Trips and Falls Experts

Slips, trips and falls are often dismissed as simple “human error” or a failure to keep a proper lookout—but many incidents have underlying, preventable causes. Surface conditions, environmental design, visibility, human factors, and compliance failures can all contribute to an incident. Our experts apply ergonomic and human factors principles to investigate whether a fall was truly unavoidable, or whether there were contributing factors beyond the actions of the individual.

At Dohrmann Consulting, we investigate two key categories of incidents: slip, trips and falls and falls on stairs – each with distinct mechanisms, risks and investigative considerations. 

As ergonomists, we understand the important differences between a slip, trips, mis-step and loss of balance and the biomechanics behind how each occurs and other contributory factors. This distinction is critical in determining causation. Our investigations examine the interaction between the person, the environment and the task demands at the time of the incident, including factors such as visual cues, lighting, step geometry, surface friction, trip hazards, expectations of movement, and what constituted a reasonable lookout in the circumstances. 

We also assess compliance with relevant standards and whether the built environment contributed to the incident. This may include evaluating stair design, single steps, changes in level, handrails, warning cues and the slip resistance of floor surfaces. Because standards evolve over time, understanding the age of a building or most recent renovation is often crucial in determining which standards apply and whether the environment met the expected level of safety.

Our experts combine site investigation with specialised measurement techniques—including pendulum and slip resistance testing—to gather objective evidence about the surface or stairs involved. We also draw on expertise in biomechanics, cognitive behaviour, perception and human movement to understand how and why the incident occurred.

These incidents are often more complex than they first appear, and causation can be difficult to determine without expert analysis. We are engaged to identify whether a preventable hazard contributed to the event, assist in determining liability, and provide clarity where fault is disputed.

A slip, trip or fall can happen in a split second, but the consequences can be life-changing. By understanding why an incident occurred, we help support compensation matters, inform liability investigations, and identify lessons to prevent similar incidents in the future.