There are 10,000 elevator-related injuries per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. And while this is only a small fraction of the billions of trips made, it highlights just how important elevator safety is to our day to day lives. From condos to hospitals, malls to office buildings – elevators are everywhere, taking passengers where they need to go with the push of a button. With so much use, elevator maintenance is essential to keeping things running smoothly – and safely.
This 2018, when conducting routine maintenance, don’t stop at just a simple checklist. Resolve to go beyond the basics with these 5 elevator safety resolutions you’ll definitely want to keep this new year.
#1 Review elevator worksites for hazards before you begin
Did you know that half of all elevator-related deaths each year happen to elevator workers? Taking a couple of extra minutes to thoroughly review the worksite could mean the difference between life and death. While most elevator maintenance programs include visual inspections, stopping and scanning the area before beginning is important for everyone’s safety. For example, if you see an open wire, it should always be considered live. Hazards could be as deceiving, such dirt and spills that could result in harmful slips. Evaluating the situation for safety before beginning is crucial.
#2 Share elevator safety tips with clients
Teach clients how to preserve their elevator daily in your absence. While maintenance should be left to licensed professionals, that doesn’t mean elevator owners can’t help keep their elevators safe on a daily basis. For example, let them know which cleaning products might corrode elevator buttons internally or how to monitor the expiry dates on fire extinguishers. It doesn’t hurt to prepare a list of tips and review them after each visit. Empowering clients to properly run their elevators makes it safer for passengers and for elevator technicians returning for follow-up visits.
#3 Work smarter, not faster
On occasion, clients may call in a rush to get a repair done, too. Responding to their concerns in a timely manner is a key element in elevator safety. Having the right ERP system makes it easier to work smarter, such as our Mobile Office Manager which can be used to dispatch a technician who is closest to the job instead of sending a worker who may be very busy on another job further away. This way, the safety concern is addressed quickly and efficiently without rushing a technician on the job.
Demands for repairs and ultimately the modernization of elevators are only going to increase in the coming years. In the next decade, modernization is expected to hit an all-time high due to improved safety measures among other concerns (such as energy efficiency). Getting the right ERP now will be necessary to work smarter (and thus more safely) in the future, as clients increase their requests for service.
#4 Eliminate Needless Distractions
Most of us are glued to our mobiles each day; but for elevator technicians, personal smart phones, smart watches and other distractions pose a danger on the job. Personal calls and texts divert focus from the task at hand and one small error might make all the difference. Keep safety top of mind and leave these items behind. The only mobile devices you should carry should be workplace related, such as our Mobile Service App, which lets technicians stay connected to clients and employers.
Distractions can also include personal attire. From jewelry to loose clothing, anything that can be caught or pulled should be left at home. Dress properly for the job including appropriate safety attire.
#5 Have a plan
In an effort to get through a job quickly, you might find yourself wanting to cut corners. It’s not worth risking your safety and the safety of others just get the job done. For example, never climb a chair in an effort to reach machinery – always climb on a ladder (and that means it needs to be the right type of ladder, too!). The key to working efficiently is to plan what tools you need for the job and ensure to come prepared for whatever might occur. Planning will save you countless hours in your day to you can focus on getting the job done safely and leaving your clients with a safe and functioning elevator!
Safety doesn’t stop here, but these resolutions are a good start on how to go above and beyond in 2018!
Resolve to make 2018 your company’s best year yet. Learn more about how Mobile Office Manager can help you do that.
