Dr. Victoria Ballard
Opelika, AL 36830
Dr. Victoria Ballard, MSE, PE, CSP, AHFP is an industrial and systems engineering expert specializing in human factors, occupational safety, and forensic analysis, providing nationwide forensic expert services. 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.” www.FHFExperts.com
- Ergonomics
- Horse
- Human Factors
- Labels & Warnings
- Machine Guarding
- OSHA
- Premises Liability
- Safety Engineering
- Slip, Trip & Fall
- Walking & Working Surfaces
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: PhD, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Auburn University
MS, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Auburn University
Graduate Certificate, Occupational Safety & Ergonomics, Auburn University
MS, Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington
BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Washington
Certified Secondary Teacher (Texas, Washington, and Alabama)
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE – Alabama, PE53572)
Certified Safety Professional (CSP – BCSP #47643)
Associate Safety Professional (ASP – BCSP #40247)
Associate Human Factors Professional (AHFP – BCPE)
OSHA Authorized Trainer – General Industry (501, 511, 510)
Walkway Auditor Certificate Holder (WACH #00270, NFSI)
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (HFES) – Past Student Chapter President, Mentor
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) – Past Student Chapter President, Mentor
Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) – Presenter, Planning Committee
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) – Founding Student Chapter President
Additional memberships: Auburn University Alumni Association, University of Washington Alumni Association, Graduate Women in Science, Auburn University 100+ Women Strong - Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: University-level teaching: Auburn University (Systems Engineering, Lean Systems), Skagit Valley College (Chemistry, Earth Science, Math), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Physics, Environmental Science, Math), Columbia College, Chapman University, South Seattle Community College.
Conference Presentations: Applied Ergonomics Conference, HFES International Meeting, IISE Lean & Data Science Conference, ASSP Webinars.
Keynote/Invited Talks: Cintas Ergonomics Competition & Wellness Series, Auburn University 100+ Women Strong, American Society of Safety Professionals.
Subject Areas: Human factors, ergonomics, manufacturing safety, slips/trips/falls, OSHA compliance, cognitive load, systems engineering, inclusive/universal design, accident causation. - Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: None. All licenses and certifications are active and in good standing.
- Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: 21 cases (as of August 2025)
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Areas of expertise retained: forensic human factors, occupational safety, slips/trips/falls, walkway safety, warnings/labels, OSHA compliance, product liability, premises liability, manufacturing safety, farm and ranch safety, forklift safety, hand safety.
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 95% (as of Aug 2025) — open to retention by both plaintiff and defense.
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 5% (as of Aug 2025) — prior consultations performed for defense counsel.
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: 2 (as of Aug 2025)
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: May 2025 (as of Aug 2025)
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: I have not yet had the opportunity to be qualified by a court, as all concluded matters have settled prior to trial. I have never been disqualified, and I am scheduled for two upcoming trials where qualification is expected. Based on my education, training, and experience—including four engineering degrees (PhD, MS, MS, BS), Professional Engineer licensure, and Certified Safety Professional credential—I am fully prepared to provide clear, reliable, and effective courtroom testimony.
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: 0 (as of Aug 2025) I have two upcoming trial dates, and all prior matters concluded with settlement before testimony. While I have not yet testified in court as an expert, I have extensive experience presenting technical material clearly and persuasively as a university educator, invited keynote speaker, and presenter at national conferences and professional seminars. I am very comfortable speaking to groups and explaining complex concepts in accessible, credible terms.
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: 1+ years (since 2024) Over 1 year as a formally retained expert witness. However, my background includes more than two decades of engineering, safety, and human factors experience, with extensive practice in translating complex technical findings into clear explanations for diverse audiences. This foundation directly supports my expert witness role, where my engineering expertise and communication skills are applied in legal matters.
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Services Offered:
Case consulting and technical analysis
Document review and discovery support
Site inspections and safety audits
Accident investigation and reconstruction
Testing, measurements, and hazard evaluations
Code, standard, and OSHA compliance assessments
Written reports and expert opinions
Deposition preparation and testimony
Trial testimony and litigation support - Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: $350 flat rate
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $350 flat rate
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $350 flat rate
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $350 flat rate
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Travel and other expenses are billed at cost, no markup.
Available Upon Request