Expert witness slip accident investigation and testing

We can offer a definitive measure of slip resistance providing overwhelming evidence that a floor is safe or slippery. Pendulum slip testing is widely recognised as the only on site slip testing method suitable for legal proceedings, being the preferred method of both the HSE and UK Slip Resistance Group. We regularly work alongside forensic engineers, solicitors or lawyers to produce expert slip test reports suitable for the rigours of court scrutiny.

What is involved in a slip accident investigation visit?

BS 7976 Pendulum slip testing is used for direct measurement of the surface in question, using contaminants reported on the surface at the time of the slip. "This is HSE's preferred method of testing because it is accurate, portable and works in the conditions that slip accidents happen" - www.hse.gov.uk.
Rz surface roughness measurement is conducted in support of all applicable Pendulum slip test values.
A thorough and comprehensive slip test report is produced, outlining methods used and clearly classifying the slip risk of the floor surface as high, moderate or low, as per HSE/UKSRG guidelines.

Assessments and reports are undertaken only by experienced professionals. We investigate slip and fall incidents, in a wide range of environments and circumstance, on a daily basis. An expert resume is available on request. External, independent UKAS calibration certificates for all test equipment used are included in the slip test report and we can support our report with expert witness or advisor services at competitive rates

"May I say that I was delighted with the service that your company provided." - David Phillips, Forensic Engineer

Expert witness service

Independence, experience and professionalism are brought together in Grip Potential's expert witness or advisor service. Whilst we like to think that our job in producing an accident slip test report is to aid a swift resolution to legal proceedings, we know that some scenarios are far from straightforward.

Although Grip Potential is a relatively young company we are able to draw on the significant experience generated from slip tests, risk assessments and accident investigations conducted on a daily basis since our incorporation. We are truly unique in this regard, due to our narrow specialism in pedestrian slip resistance.

Whether you require a definitive measurement of a disputed surface, interpretation of existing information, or a critical review of opposing evidence, we stand ready to help with a fast, flexible and sensibly priced service.

We have experience in conducting investigative tests under the scrutiny of legal teams, producing expert reports for forensic engineers and lawyers, liaising with experts on both sides, and presenting evidence in the court room.

Our expert witness service is provided by our director, Ben Powers, a full member of both the Academy of Experts and UK Slip Resistance Group.

"It seems to me that we will be best placed to destroy the Defendant's objections with the evidence of Mr Powers [of Grip Potential Ltd] himself. He seems to me to be an excellent witness and I am very impressed with the quality of his report to date."

Why use Grip Potential?

Evidence of accuracy. All test equipment is externally calibrated annually by independent UKAS accredited bodies. UKAS calibration certification is included in all slip test reports, alongside certificates of conformity for all standard materials used. In addition, verification checks are conducted and recorded prior to each and every assessment.

Expertise. Our testing is conducted only by experienced operators. Our Director, Ben Powers, has been conducting testing on a daily basis for almost 9 years, with over 5,000 individual assessments under his belt for Grip Potential. He is a full member of both the UK Slip Resistance Group and the Academy of Experts and a Technical member of IOSH.

Reputation. Our services are regularly employed by forensic engineers, solicitors and lawyers in personal injury cases. Despite having only started trading in 2009 approximately 40% of our business is from repeat customers. We are members of the UK Slip Resistance Group, the leading independent authority on slip resistance in the UK. We regularly take part in cross laboratory slip test research projects to further the understanding of pedestrian slip risk. Our clients consistently rate our service highly and many testimonials can be found on this site.

Compliance to established standards. Our slip test is conducted in strict compliance with the HSE's preferred in situ test method BS 7976 (the Pendulum), alongside the latest UKSRG Guidelines. Reports for slip injury accident investigation and litigation are fully CPR compliant.

Independence. We remain completely independent from any anti-slip solution providers and never profit from any referrals. Our independence ensures an unbiased test, free from the commercial pressure to sell an anti-slip floor or treatment. If our slip test does show that surface improvement is required, we can impartially recommend anti-slip products we have previously tested on similar floors and in similar environments, from contractors or manufacturers we know and trust.

Price. When it comes to the safety of staff/visitors price shouldn't matter, but we know that it does. We aim to be the cheapest independent test consultancy without compromising on the accuracy and attention to detail required to present reports to a court. We are able to offer competition beating pricing across the UK through efficient operation, economy of scale and modest profit margins. Be aware of those cutting corners to offer cheap rates, your report could let you down in court.

Further information

BS 7976 - The Pendulum Test
In House Slip Testing
Rz - Surface Roughness
Slips Potential Model

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