Audit: Enforcement Weak for North Carolina Elevator Violations

A state audit says North Carolina elevators found to have safety violations rarely get follow-up inspections and owners often escape having to pay fines.

The report released Thursday by State Auditor Beth Wood says only 3 percent of the more than 13,000 elevators cited for violations in 2012 were re-inspected to make sure the problems had been corrected. The audit also found that inspectors issued penalties on less than one percent of operators found in violation, issuing just 36 fines totaling $7,400.

The North Carolina Department of Labor is responsible for ensuring the safety of the state’s elevators. In a written response, the agency pledged to make improvements that include conducting follow-up inspections in a timely manner.