Forensic Human Factors-Multidisciplined Engineer

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Dr. Victoria Ballard, MSE, PE, AHFP is an industrial and systems engineering expert specializing in human factors, occupational safety, and forensic analysis. With over sixteen years of experience as a consultant and educator, she provides investigations, reports, and expert analysis in legal cases involving workplace safety, human performance, product design, and environmental factors. She applies her expertise to analyze how individuals interact with products, environments, and occupational systems, offering clear and data-driven insights into accident causation and prevention. Dr. Ballard has held engineering roles in chemical manufacturing, civil engineering, construction, and industrial safety, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and system optimization. She has served as Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Researcher, Graduate Teaching Assistant, and Fellow at seven universities (University of Washington, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Columbia College, Skagit Valley College, Chapman University, Seattle College, and Auburn University), bringing both academic and practical experience to her work. As an Air Force spouse, ranch owner, and state-level civic volunteer, she has adapted her expertise across multiple industries and states, providing a broad, real-world perspective to her forensic evaluations. Dr. Ballard’s areas of expertise include: Human factors and cognitive ergonomics in workplace incidents and product design Manufacturing safety and industrial ergonomics, including the effects of technology on cognitive load Slip, trip, and fall analysis, including environmental and human factors considerations Occupational safety and systems engineering, with a focus on workplace hazards and preventative measures Machine guarding and industrial accident analysis, evaluating compliance with safety standards Warnings, risk communication, and product labeling, assessing adequacy and effectiveness Premises liability and environmental factors, including visibility, illumination, and wayfinding Dr. Ballard holds dual degrees in Civil and Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and is a doctoral and masters graduate in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics from Auburn University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and a certified Associate Human Factors Professional (AHFP) through the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics. Additionally, she has earned a Graduate Certificate in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics from Auburn University and a Secondary Teaching Certification in Mathematics and Chemistry from Hardin-Simmons University, Texas. Her research focuses on the human performance implications and cognitive load effects of technology and workplace design on manufacturing workers. She has presented her findings at national conferences and continues to serve as a Peer Reviewer for the Applied Ergonomics journal, contributing to the advancement of research in the field. Dr. Ballard’s ability to translate technical data into clear, actionable insights makes her a valuable resource in forensic analysis, expert witness testimony, and legal case consultations. Whether assessing workplace safety, product design, or environmental conditions, she provides comprehensive evaluations that integrate engineering principles with human factors expertise. Consult with Dr. Ballard before assigning a value to a case, deposing an opposing expert, or preparing for mediation. “There’s a Human Factor in every case.”