Robert O. Peruzzi, PhD, PE, DFE of R. Peruzzi Consulting, Inc

Human Factors Engineering (HFE) examines how human capabilities and limitations interact with engineered systems. In forensic investigations, many incidents attributed to “operator error” may instead reflect predictable human behavior interacting with poorly designed equipment, controls, warnings, or procedures. This presentation provides forensic engineers with an overview of key HFE principles relevant to accident investigation and expert testimony. Topics include categories of human error, limits of human perception and cognition, anthropometry and physical interaction with equipment, and the role of warnings and instructions in product safety. Practical examples will illustrate how human factors considerations can influence determinations of misuse, foreseeability, design adequacy, and system safety. The presentation also outlines a framework for incorporating human factors analysis into forensic engineering investigations. The goal is to provide forensic engineers with a working understanding of how human–system interactions contribute to incidents and how these principles can strengthen technical analyses and expert opinions.

Biography:

Robert Peruzzi is a Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) and Expert Witness practicing forensic and  technical consulting. He is president and sole employee of R. Peruzzi Consulting, Inc.

Robert moved to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley in 1990 to work as an Automated Test Equipment (ATE) test developer for AT&T Bell Labs, where he took advantage of their tuition assistance plan and earned his Ph. D. in 2005 after what seemed like an eternity of part time study. He stayed on as that company evolved through Lucent, Agere, LSI and Infineon. As opportunities arose, he crossed between departments and product lines, working in analog and mixed signal design for hard disk drive and mobile phone electronics.

He has been an independent consultant since Infineon’s late 2008 layoffs and has expanded his practice from design and verification to include forensic and expert witness practice.

Robert served as Chair of IEEE Philadelphia Consultants Network (CONET) and serves on the board of IEEE Consultants Committee. He is the founder, and past Chair IEEE Lehigh Valley Chapter Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS). He is a member of National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE), where he serves as an Associate Editor of the NAFE Journal, and is a past NAFE Director at Large.

Robert lives in Bethlehem PA with his wife, Esther. They are the parents of two adult children, and grandparents of three.

Address:United States