Elevators and escalators are ubiquitous in buildings, but they also pose some risks. They are responsible for a high number of deaths and injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevators and escalators kill more than 30 people every year. Half of these deaths involve falls down an elevator shaft. Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent elevator accidents. Here are three tips for staying safe while riding elevators.
First, you should know that elevator accidents can cause broken bones. The most common types of bones broken in elevator accidents are the hands and feet, legs, and shoulders. Other bones that can be broken include the ribs and pelvis. Other common injuries include lacerations and disfigurement. Traumatic brain injuries can also result from an elevator accident. Traumatic brain injuries are particularly serious because they can result in serious problems, including inability to return to work.
Another way to prevent elevator accidents is to inspect your elevators regularly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, escalators and elevators cause substantial numbers of injuries and accidents each year. Despite these statistics, there are still many things you can do to avoid an elevator accident and keep your workplace safe from harm. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has developed five sets of safety recommendations to protect people from elevator and escalator accidents.
Falling while riding an escalator is one of the most common workplace accidents involving escalators and elevators. Falling can result in severe injuries because of the steep metal steps on each step. Additionally, falling can cause disorientation or loss of balance. People who fall may experience varying degrees of injury, so you should seek medical attention immediately after an escalator accident.
Fortunately, modern elevators are equipped with advanced safety systems that prevent accidents. However, despite the precautions, elevator accidents can cause serious injuries. Even when elevators are safe, faulty parts or inadequate inspections can cause an accident. These accidents can be devastating. With the help of an elevator accident lawyer, you can recover compensation from the negligent parties responsible.
An elevator service company should implement procedures to isolate the power source. This will protect employees from hazardous energy. Proper inspection and maintenance could prevent many of these accidents. Furthermore, many elevator-related deaths could have been prevented if proper maintenance was done on escalators and elevators. As a result, the California Department of Health Services and FACE recommended regular inspections of escalators and elevators.
An elevator worker can fall 15 feet in the air. When this happens, the car can suddenly fall. A worker could be trapped in the shaft for several hours or even killed. Accidents caused by elevators are a serious health risk. Accidents can occur in buildings, schools, and workplaces.
Many accidents and injuries involving escalators and elevators occur because the equipment malfunctions. When these things go wrong, the property owner is responsible for shutting down the elevator or escalator and warning people not to use it. They may also be held liable for damages and injuries caused by the defective equipment.