Why Improving Elevator Safety in New York City is Now a Priority

An estimated 10% of the country’s elevators are located in New York State. Of that ten percent, majority of elevators operate in New York City. Most of the population relies on elevators and other mechanical modes of transportation to get us to and from work then back home safely. 

 Thus, leading the New York City Comptroller to issue an audit. The MTA, also known as Metropolitan Transportation Authority, failed to adequately maintain its escalators and elevators. When something like this happens, we need to pause and think about how we can solve this issue in order to keep our city running as safely and effectively as possible. 

 This isn’t the first time a state has been called out by elected officials for widespread elevator safety issues.  There has also been a released audit finding that the State University of New York system failed to meet elevator maintenance and safety regulations; as well as the New York Housing Authority that had similar, yet more severe safety issues including fatalities and critical injuries of workers and residents. 

The New York City State Legislature is responsible for addressing these dangerous and extensive issues through the city and state with the Elevator Safety Act.

 Did you know that New York doesn’t currently require people on elevators to receive any training, licensing, or education? This means that deceitful contractors are able to send their employees to work in multi-story elevator shafts with high-voltage and highly technical machinery without providing the necessary training they need to stay safe.

 The Elevator Safety Act would set minimum standards for training and mandate licensing. The training would teach a worker how to spot an issue, that can possibly be lethal, before it’s too late. This necessary training would directly impact both the safety and effectiveness of elevators in our state by ensuring the people working and building them can do their job correctly and safe.

 It’s very important that we take action to protect riders and workers alike by requiring proper training and licensing to keep our states elevators and their riders in safe working conditions.

 For five years in a row, the state Assembly has passed this serious piece of legislation. It was also promised by the New York Governor to sign it into a law. 

 Now, more than ever, those in positions of leadership must recognize the importance of this issue and call for the immediate passage of the Elevator Safety Act.