How can a case involving a piece of metal that will fit on a dinner plate require such a broad perspective?
S-E-A was asked by an amusement park ride manufacturer for a second opinion after a ride’s design was blamed for an accident.
When a ride is designed to operate 5,000 hours between maintenance and parts replacement, you can assume that they are well-engineered and built to last. This particular ride is an industry icon across the country and has an excellent track record spanning 35 years.
You or your children have probably ridden one and had fun doing so.
When S-E-A was called in by the manufacturer, an accident had occurred and another engineering expert had already concluded that the design was defective, recommending that all active machines be recalled. His expertise was based on experience with bearing assemblies in the automotive industry.
S-E-A was able to review the information and evidence from a broader perspective. The S-E-A project engineer in this case had previously been part of a global bearing manufacturer that provided finished goods for machines much larger than those involved in the subject ride.
Roller Coaster Failure
January 08, 2016Night Visibility Evaluation
April 01, 2016Construction Site Accident
June 02, 2016Ship Manuevering Evaluation
August 16, 2016Amusement Ride Failure
September 08, 2016High-Rise Fire
November 15, 2016Fall From A Balcony
November 15, 2016Sports Related Head Impact
December 23, 2016Assigned Task:
S-E-A was asked to consult with respect to the cause of the accident and review the existing expert report.
S-E-A’s investigation began with an exhaustive review of the existing documentation and photos including witness reports, product specifications, maintenance records, parts orders and safety procedures.
S-E-A also observed the machine in operation and took field notes and photos.
S-E-A performed laboratory inspection of the seal, roller bearings, locknuts, locking washer and spacer.
Observations were recorded in the form of laboratory notes and photographs.
Test evidence was evaluated resulting in the following findings:
As a result of S-E-A’s findings, the manufacturer and their customers realized this was an isolated incident which was unlikely to occur again. The manufacturer and their customers were able to move forward without the devastating financial and logistical ordeal of a mandatory recall.
While painstaking research, engineering expertise and sophisticated lab equipment are key elements in reaching a sound scientific conclusion, the multi-disciplinary teams at S-E-A are a large part of the reason why we have been able to help so many clients find real answers. Our scientific methodologies cross all disciplines and our wealth of experience solving a wide range of problems is invaluable in assuring broad perspective and thinking unfettered by familiarity and repetition.
Anthony Barker is responsible for overseeing S-E-A’s central/western regions, as well as S-E-A’s fourth largest office, located in Chicago, IL. He also serves on the Admissions and Nominations Committee, providing oversight to S-E-A’s Board of Directors. Prior to managing the Chicago office, he served as the Marine & Energy Practice Group Manager for approximately seven years.
Prior to S-E-A, Anthony was a change management consultant based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Anthony received his Master of Business Administration with concentrations in management strategy & organizations, marketing, international business, and finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He attained his Bachelor of Science in marketing and management from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
He is a former President of the Chicago Chapter of the Blue Goose Insurance Organization, as well as a former President of the Chicago Chapter of the Miami University Alumni Association. Anthony’s professional involvements also include the Wisconsin Defense Counsel (WDC), Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IADTC), Minnesota Defense Lawyer’s Association (MDLA), Western Loss Association (WLA), Maritime Law Association (MLA) and National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP). He was a two-term board member for NASP from 2013 to 2017 and is also a non-attorney member of the MLA.
Anthony is a proud father of two children. He enjoys traveling the world and reading books, specifically on professional development and leadership. His favorite sports to play are volleyball, racquetball, and golf. Anthony also very much enjoys skiing in places like Colorado, Utah, California and Whistler, Canada.
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Roller Coaster Failure
January 08, 2016Night Visibility Evaluation
April 01, 2016Construction Site Accident
June 02, 2016Ship Manuevering Evaluation
August 16, 2016Amusement Ride Failure
September 08, 2016High-Rise Fire
November 15, 2016Fall From A Balcony
November 15, 2016Sports Related Head Impact
December 23, 2016