Elevator worker fatalities - Texas & New York

In the last month there have been two elevator worker fatalities.  One is too many.  

1/11/18 – EL Paso Texas a young husband and father was killed on the top of the 9^th floor leaving a wife and 2 year old behind.  It is speculated that the death was caused by an electrocution.  The elevator worker worked at Abell Elevator who is a non signatory company from Kentucky.  There is a gofundme page for donations to his family. While we are on different sides of the labor fence I did donate because no family should have to go through this.

http://www.elpasoproud.com/news/young-father-identified-as-victim-in-beaumont-elevator-accident/910990342

https://www.gofundme.com/brandonsfarewell/

1/23/18 – Manhattan, New York– It appears that the person working in the hoistway was not tied off and fell down the elevator shaft. The elevator worker worked at U-Tek Elevator, Inc who is a non signatory company.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/construction-worker-dies-fall-gramercy-park-site-article-1.3773861

As an industry we must continue to move to a zero-injury expectation.  These two incidents are reminders that we must work safe everyday so we can come home.  Our craft is a skilled and dangerous one, be aware of your surroundings at all times.  One accident is too many.

Elevator worker – Do tasks safely, have a process, make sure everyone is on the same page for the process.  If a situation is unsafe have your supervisor explain how to complete the task safely or request an alternate safe process.  Do not get complacent. 

Building owner – This is a reminder know who you are hiring and be aware of work place safety.  You are an important part of the safety equation. 

Elevator contractor – Give your employees the tools & processes to work safe.

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.