Last month, an elevator accident in New York City at the Y&R agency took the life of a 41-year-old executive. According to the Los Angeles Times, reports of the fatal elevator accident state that investigators had pointed out “epidemic” problems with one of the elevator’s lifts. Inspectors also reported that there were 11 violations written for 13 elevators at the building over the last month.
The fatal elevator accident happened in mid-December when the woman was boarding the elevator in a building off of Madison Avenue. Before she was able to get all the way into the elevator, it shot up and crushed her to death. Officials report that the elevator had been shut down so an investigation could be opened regarding malfunctions.
Our New York City elevator accident attorneys understand that 11 citations were written for a number of mechanical issues in this elevator, which could have caused the malfunctions that lead to the woman’s death. These violations included problems with the elevator’s cable, with the attachment of the clamps and with the materials used to hold the elevator’s parts in place. All of these violations should have been addressed immediately after the violations were issued.
According to reports, the management team of that building says that the elevators were from Transel Elevator, which is the company currently being investigated for the mechanical problems. Just a few hours before the fatal New York elevator accident, workers with Transel reportedly performed electrical work on the elevator. Investigators have yet to conclude exactly why it malfunctioned.
Statistics conclude that there are roughly 120 billion elevator rides taken by residents in the country every year. According the U.S. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevator accidents kill about 30 people and injure another 17,000 each year.
To help reduce the risks of these types of accidents, ALLSAFE Elevator Inspections is here to offer everyday riders with a few safety tips. Safe riding can help to greatly reduce your risks for injury while riding an elevator.
Elevator Safety Tips:
-Be careful when getting on and off an elevator. Watch your step for uneven floors.
-Stay cautious of closing doors. Stay away from moving doors.
-Never force people or items on to an elevator. If there’s not enough room, do not take the elevator.
-Never use an elevator in the event of an emergency.
-Never try to escape a stopped elevator.
-Never force the elevator doors open or close.
-Watch your step when getting on and off the elevator.
-Stand aside for more boarding passengers.
-When exiting the elevator, move away from the doors to allow other behind you to exit safely.
-If the car is full, wait the next car.
-Hold the hands of small children while getting on, riding and getting off an elevator.
-Hold a handrail if there is one available.
-Pay attention to the floor indications.
If you or someone of your family has been injured on an elevator accident in Queens, Manhattan or in any of the surround areas, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose PLLC. Call for a free no-obligation appointment to discuss your case at 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
Keep Safety in Mind to Reduce New York City Elevator and Escalator Accidents This Holiday Season, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, December 6, 2011
National Elevator and Escalator Safety Awareness Week Addresses High Risks of Injury in New York City, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, November 7, 2011
