Mich. Gov. Declares Nov. 14-20 as Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm has issued an Executive Declaration in observance of Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week from Nov. 14-20, 2004 to educate parents, senior citizens and other consumers about safety tips to prevent avoidable incidents and accidents. The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation estimates that more than 575 million people ride elevators, escalators, and moving sidewalks daily.

“The State of Michigan has nearly 26,000 elevators and escalators and every year we receive reports of incidents and accidents that may have been avoided if consumers followed common sense safety tips,” said David Hollister, director of Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG). “Children are considered the most at-risk of being injured so parents should recognize the importance of preventing children from riding elevators and escalators unattended and also not using strollers on escalators.”

DLEG’s Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety, Elevator Safety Division and Elevator Safety Board is responsible for the state’s elevator, escalator, and dumbwaiter inspections; complaint investigations; reporting of elevator accidents; and issuing elevator contractor licenses.

Many of the most serious injuries reported for elevators and escalators are reportedly due to falls, particularly involving riders over the age of 65 years old.