People take elevators to get where they need to go all the time. Whether you’re riding it up to the top floor of a parking garage or using one in a hospital, the elevator is there to make your life easier.
Elevators are meant to be safe, but without repairs and upkeep, they can quickly become hazardous. What can you do to make sure you don’t fall victim to personal injuries on an elevator? Try following these tips.
- Hold the DOOR OPEN Button
If you need to keep the door open while people get onto the elevator or while you wait for someone who is trying to quickly get to the elevator before the doors close, make sure you press the “DOOR OPEN” button. Many people stand in the elevator’s doorway and prevent the door from shutting, but if you wait too long before stepping into the path of the door, you could end up with a crushing injury.
- Hold on to the handrail
While the elevator is moving, keep a hand on the handrail if one is available. This can help prevent falls or other injuries as a result of sudden stops or bouncing motions.
- Avoid jumping or moving abruptly in the elevator
Jumping or dancing in an elevator might seem fun, but it can actually make the unit move and potentially cause it to stall. It’s always a good idea to walk gently into elevators, to stand against the wall or to be still while you’re traveling. This prevents any unnecessary strain from affecting the traveling elevator car.
These are a few tips to keep you safe in an elevator. If you’re hurt because another person doesn’t take these steps to ensure safety or because the elevator fails to work properly, you could have a claim against the business where the elevator is located or the person who caused you harm.
Source: National Elevator Industry, Inc., “Elevator Safety,” accessed Sep. 08, 2017
