Forensic Engineering Society of Australia Inc

Incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 - reg no A0051560P
 

Professionals collaborating in accident reconstruction, investigation, forensic analysis and research

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Survey a great success

Thanks to all members and supporters who recently completed the FESA 2012 survey.  The Committee has been keen to know how to make FESA as relevant and helpful as possible, and the survey has pulled out a lot of very helpful feedback and advice.

.  Key outcomes from the survey (45 responses) were as follows:

•     Sixty-one percent of members found us by word of mouth.  .Surprisingly,  Engineers Australia referral was mentioned a number of times (maybe this was in WA? - responses to the survey were anonymous, deliberately).   A website upgrade was suggested, and it was noted that a website does find members but that it also gives potential and current members information.

•     "Expert Evidence" was the top pick for a meeting talk topic (64%).  Workplace safety and mechanical engineering were prominent (40%) as members' occupations or areas of expertise, and  others (with several respondents in each group) were structural, fire, traffic.  A suggestion was made to organise specialist "sub-meetings" based around topic areas of interest to subgroups (interested guests naturally welcome), with main meetings catering for expert work in general.   Both sorts of meetings will attempt to cater for these various diverse interests.

•     Prominent features of FESA membership regarded as "important" were learning new things, and keeping up to date.  About half of the respondents noted their interest in meeting other members, sharing information, raising the profile of Forensic Engineering, networking, attending interesting events and encouraging good forensic engineering standards.   In the main members do not see the Society as a way of finding paid work, getting peer review or of getting relevant credentials.

•      Good guest speakers on topical seminars was the key feature that appealed to members.  They liked an emailed newsletter (58%) and meetings in a pub appealed to about half the respondents.  A suggestion that a new venue with a room more conducive to our meetings be found.

•     The provision of  on-line resources, a lending service, and insurance premium breaks appealed to  less than half.  About half had some interest in a breakfast meeting, lawyer networking, a professional journal, a members-only website section, tiered membership, developing forensic testing standards and setting competencies for professional recognition.

•     Some 33% said it was difficult to attend meetings and 38% said they had "no barrier" to participation in FESA.

      The foregoing is only part of the useful feedback provided.  Numerous further suggestions were made - thank you.  We note carefully the need to better service people in remote locations and interstate, as well as exploiting online means of sharing information and communicating freely.

News

Well known FESA member Len Cubitt has had a disastrous experience at his Melbourne home - his house was doused with asbestos fibres by a contractor spraying a neighbour's roof with a high-pressure hose.   To make things worse,  Len's insurer is now being more than coy ...

Read more: http://mordialloc-chelsea-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/new-asbestos-angst-for-chelsea-family/

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FESA meets on a scheduled basis in Melbourne - usually over an evening meal, where  guest speakers present a topic and  members and guests discuss current issues, engaging in "Show and Tell" about interesting forensic issues and recent cases.  We also exchange professional advice and assist each other within our network, and we refer work to each other where appropriate.

FESA members are interested in cross-referring work, enquiries and problems to each other - providing mutual support, networking, helping to support and enhance each other's reputations,  and in maintaining professional standards and our standing in the engineering, legal and general communities.

What is FESA about? 

Established as an incorporated association back in 2008, we aim to -

• provide a forum for education, discussion and promotion of matters of forensic engineering in order for members to be better informed. 

• inform appropriate professional bodies, associations, firms and people in the community from time to time about the range of services provided by the members. 

• promote a high standard of consultancy for all relevant pertinent areas of engagement.

Eligibility: professional qualifications and/or active experience in forensic engineering work.

Current (2011) office bearers

 Chairman  - John Lambert;  Secretary  Andrew Short;  Treasurer - Werner Ihle; 

Committee - Patrick Irwin, Ian Eilenberg  Webmaster - Mark Dohrmann   Immediate Past Chairperson - Ian Thomas