SERVICES
We understand the way in which machines and humans can fail, despite the best intentions of design engineers. We can determine the cause of failure of components, systems, or materials.
Our extensive experience in claims and litigation means that we are comfortable negotiating with regulatory agencies and working within the confines of the legal system. 

INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERING

 

"Diligence is the mother of good luck." Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)

In addition to litigation related Forensic Engineering Services, ALKESANDER & ASSOCIATES P.A. provides INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERING services that may reduced the risk of future unwanted events.


When a problem does develop or an accident occurs, we will work with you to get the technical answers you need to understand your problem:

 

  • Investigative and Claims Engineering
  • Risk Management
  • Root Cause Analysis

ACCIDENT/INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Our years of experience in Forensic Engineering have prepared us to effectively handle a wide-variety of investigations.  Aleksander & Associates, P.A. can research the events and circumstances prior to, during, and after accidents, to determine the cause or contributing factors.  Accidents, incidents and failures are usually the largest single source of catastrophic loss at a facility.  We can provide:

 

  • Quick Response
  • Documentation
  • Photography
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Event Reconstruction
  • Technical Interpretation of Documents & Drawings
  • Manufacturing Anomaly Analysis
  • Fire & Explosion Investigations
  • Computer Simulations and Animations
  • Materials Studies

ACCIDENT, LOSS, & EXPOSURE EVALUATIONS

Technical work site evaluations can identify potential for loss costs so that management can properly evaluate means of reducing risk. To that end, Aleksander & Associates, P.A. can:

 

  • Analyze Loss Experience
  • Evaluate Work Environments
  • Perform Job Safety Analysis (Hazard Analysis)
  • Perform OSHA Compliance Evaluations
  • Develop Engineered Solutions
  • Perform Equipment Inspections
  • Address Fire Prevention and Protection Issues
  • Identify Risk Factors for Cumulative Trauma
  • Provide Trainer & Worker Education, specific to your facility with integrated site photos and video

CLAIMS & LITIGATION

Aleksander & Associates have experience in Claims & Litigation spanning nearly 40 years, encompassing an enormous variety of claims, from large $45 million dollar dam claims, to environmental clean-up claims, to small road construction claims. Regardless of the type of claim, Aleksander & Associates, P.A. is ready to assist you with:

 

  • Quality Assessments
  • Change of Conditions
  • Materials Evaluation
  • Contract Evaluation
  • Labor Consultation
  • Review Boards
  • "But For" Schedule Reconstruction & Analysis
  • Multimedia Presentations of Findings
  • Expert Witness

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING & RECLAMATION

The construction of a Limestone Screening Plant took place in the Death Valley region of California in Inyo County, one of the strictest air districts in the United States. Aleksander & Associates, P.A. performed all aspects of the permitting process, and including the construction of a detailed scale model of the plant for demonstration to county officials. Our staff experience also includes multiple environmental clean-up (including nuclear) and mining reclamation projects.

PRODUCT LIABILITY

Our experience with Forensic Engineering investigations, coupled with our understanding of human factors and safety principles, prepare us to undertake a wide variety of analyses and investigations related to product liability issues.


Specific Cases include:

 

  • Failed engines
  • Amputations in punch presses
  • Farm equipment
  • Airport conveyors
  • Amusement rides
  • Hydro-pneumatic tanks
  • Mining conveyors
  • Falling loads
  • Go-Karts
  • Concrete Anchors
  • Many others

RISK MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

Risk Management Analysis & Safety Engineering Analytic tools and procedures to determine, prevent, or control potential hazards.


Risk = (Probability of Occurrence) x (Cost of the Event)


Evaluating RISK is a tool we use to help determine which hazards will eventually cost the facility the most money. Those hazards with the greatest potential for risk reduction are the ones we target first. We use a variety of techniques to analyze these risks to human and mechanical systems:

 

  • Plant Safety Evaluations
  • Workman's Compensation Investigations
  • Process Safety and Reliability Analysis
  • Organizational Safety Analysis
  • Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)
  • Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

One tool we have found to be particularly effective is to begin an analysis of plant systems by using video and still photography, coupled with interviews with plant personnel. We then present our findings along with a prioritized list of improvement areas developed from a specialized ranking matrix. The photographic and video analysis are not a generic representation but specific to that plant, and plant personnel see their co-workers and their equipment. This approach brings plant workers on-board early in the effort.