Forensic Human Factors/Ergonomics Practice from the Perspective of the Forensic Consulting Firms

Abstract

This discussion panel will present a view of certain critical practice issues from the perspective of key expert practitioners from the very few consulting firms specializing in forensic human factors/ergonomics (HF/E). Accordingly, attendees of this panel session will hear from principals within these firms for both their unique perspectives on practice issues not addressable by our sole-practitioner colleagues, as well as ways in which the employment of such forensic HF/E practitioners may be enhanced in the very near future. Four sub-topics will each be separately addressed by one of the panelists followed by interactive discussion: (1) Inter/multi disciplinary team approach to cases; (2) Internal peer review/involvement; (3) Opportunities for funded research; and (4) Mentoring students and young professionals. It is believed that exploring such practice issues in such a panel discussion will begin a process by which more HF/E professionals can enter the field of forensic practice growing the field through the development of more firms with added capabilities and multiple forensic experts on staff.