Forensic Physics: Falling Accidents

Summary

You will undertake research to determine some of the main causes of stair falls, and possible methods to help minimise the number of stair fall accidents

Supervisor(s)

Associate Professor Rod Cross

Research Location

School of Physics

Program Type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

Falling accidents represent a huge cost to the community,  comparable to the cost of traffic accidents (both around $40 billion pa in the USA). Traffic accidents are well researched. Falling accidents are not. The physics of falling helps to explain how the fall may have occurred and how falls may be prevented. One of the more common problems is falling down stairs. This is being investigated using a number of techniques, including the analysis of actual falls recorded on security film. In addition, the project will involve studying the following factors:(a) Handrails are designed to help the user hold onto a firm support, while Guardrails are designed to prevent the user falling into the well below. From a practical point of view, it is important to determine the optimum height, diameter and texture of each rail.(b) The height, width and texture of each step affects the manner in which various users negotiate a flight of stairs. One object of the project will be to determine how people react to differences in step size.(c) Most stair falls occur at the top or bottom three steps, presumably because of visual distractions caused by the change in the field of view. The project will help to identify the main factors involved, by filming people as they negotiate the stairs to see what distracts them.

Keywords

forensic, physics, falling, accidents, accident, physics of falling, analysis of falling, causes of stair falls, differences in step size, stair falls, visual distractions caused by the change in the field of view

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 538