Skylight Fall Case Study: Conspicuity and Perceptual Set

Abstract

We report forensic analysis of a case study of a skylight fall incident. We also replicated a hazard detection technique in the current case that we had previously employed in a similar case. In the hazard detection method, participants were asked to rate how hazardous each of eight photographs of a site visit scene appeared, and to identify any hazards present. Hazard ratings varied significantly across scenes, but no participant identified skylights as a hazard, replicating our previous findings and confirming site visit assessments. Flat-panel warehouse skylights were not conspicuous and/or were not identifiable, confirming forensic analysis. These results suggest that assessment of hazard identification using a quick hazard detection technique may be valid and efficient across variations in incident characteristics.