OSHA

In an effort to improve safety and education in the elevator industry, an agreement was signed to renew an alliance between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of US Department of Labor (OSHA) and the Elevator Industry Safety Partners (EISP).

This alliance allows OSHA to create a platform where any entity in the elevator industry can have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in cooperation with OSHA for purposes of improving communication, safety, raising awareness, outreach, training, and education in the elevator industry.

Check out the latest Alliance Agreement here  and see how OSHA and the EISP are working together with a common goal to make the elevator industry safer for all workers.

Helmets to Hardhats is a free, nonprofit program that connects transitioning military service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists with skilled and quality career opportunities in the Elevator Industry and other building trades. It has already helped hundreds of U.S Military Veterans to begin their careers in the Elevator Industry.

The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a career in the construction industry. Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally-approved apprenticeship training programs.

Recently, we had a chance to listen to the H2H’s Southern Regional Director, Rickey Fabra speak with IUEC local #21 member Mathew Webb about his journey from the military into the Elevator trade by way of the Helmets to Hardhats organization.

elevator technician school

Miami International Airport replaces Elevator Service provider after investigative reporter uncovered major safety concerns, according to Local 10 News in South Florida. Per a recent letter from Miami-Dade County, Oracle Elevator will no longer be providing service to Miami International Airport or Port Miami. The contract termination is effective June 10.

Read more about the contract termination and related safety issues at Local 10 News

A Lift for A Vet is a charity started by The International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and IUEC Local 5 (Philadelphia) wishing to help veterans in need. A Lift for A Vet has installed hundreds of stairlifts, wheelchair lifts and residential elevators for veterans of all wars.

Recently, A Lift for A Vet installed an outdoor lift in Millsboro, DE for U.S Army Veteran Bob Murphy who served in Vietnam.  The lift, materials, time and labor were all donated so that there is no cost to the veteran.

On this particular installation, all of the IUEC members that donated their skills and time happened to also be veterans of the U.S military. There was an overwhelming sense of pride knowing that their efforts would be helping to give some independence to Bob Murphy as well as his wife Beth who helps him stay mobile. For more information on the program, including how to donate, visit IUEC Local 5 (Philadelphia).

For another recent “Lift for A Vet” project out of Boston, MA please check out our blog entry from April, 2022.

elevator mechanics

Every year on April 28th the Elevator Industry recognized the Safety Stand Down Day. Deliberately coinciding with Workers Memorial Day in the United States and the National Day of Mourning in Canada, across the Elevator Industry this day is dedicated to education and raising awareness on safety.

Safety advocates in the elevator industry have always been trying to bring safety to the forefront of our industry. Recognizing this, employers from across the industry held safety meetings, toolbox talks, and sent out safety messages to promote a safer workplace for all workers.

 

This year Safety Stand Down Day held an additional meaning for many, as for the first time, the elevator industry’s working contract (negotiated every 5 years between IUEC and employers throughout the country) included a safety article – a collaborative effort that was added to further protect workers from potential injuries and fatalities.

 

Visit the IUEC Safety Page to access links for Life After Loss Videos, OSHA’s National Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, and other useful tools as the industry Stands Down for Safety.

 

To listen to an important safety message from International Union of Elevator Constructors General President Frank Christensen, please call 1-888-618-0613 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada).