Practical Escalator and Elevator Safety Tips to Keep You Safe in New Jersey

Navigating multi-story buildings, whether in shopping malls, office complexes, or public transportation hubs, is routine for many New Jersey residents. While escalators and elevators offer convenience, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks associated with their use. Understanding these risks and following safety guidelines can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe experience.

Common Escalator and Elevator Risks

Elevators and escalators are complex machines that require regular maintenance and proper usage to function safely. However, several common risks can lead to accidents:

• Entrapment: Loose clothing, footwear, or accessories can become caught in escalator steps or elevator doors, leading to severe injuries.
  
• Slips and Falls: Wet or uneven surfaces, sudden movements, or misalignment between the elevator car and the floor can cause users to lose their balance.
  
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions due to inadequate maintenance, such as sudden stops, drops, or door failures, can result in serious injuries.
  
• Overcrowding: Exceeding the weight capacity of an elevator or overcrowding an escalator can strain the equipment and increase the risk of accidents.

In New Jersey, the Department of Community Affairs’ Elevator Safety Unit regulates these devices. Regular inspections and maintenance are mandated to ensure public safety.

Escalator Safety Tips

To ensure your safety while using escalators, consider the following practical tips:

• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as using your phone or reading.
• Hold the Handrail: This provides stability and helps prevent falls.
• Stand in the Center: Keep feet away from the edges to avoid entrapment.
• Face Forward: Always face the direction of travel and remain attentive.
• Supervise Children: Hold their hands and ensure they stand properly without sitting or playing.
• Avoid Loose Clothing: Ensure shoelaces are tied, and avoid wearing loose garments that could get caught.
• Step Carefully: Be cautious when stepping on and off the escalator, ensuring your footwear is fully on the step.

It’s also important to be aware of the condition of the escalator. If you notice unusual noises, missing steps, or malfunctioning handrails, it’s best to avoid using them and report the issue to the appropriate authorities.

Elevator Safety Tips

Elevators are generally safe, but following these guidelines can further reduce the risk of accidents:

• Wait for the Cab: Ensure the elevator has arrived and is level with the floor before stepping in.
  
• Enter and Exit Carefully: Watch your step to avoid tripping over any gap between the elevator and the floor.
  
• Stand Clear of Doors: Keep clothing and belongings away from closing doors to prevent entrapment.
  
• Hold the Handrail: If available, hold onto the handrail for added stability.
  
• In Case of Emergency: Use the alarm button or phone to seek assistance; never attempt to exit a stalled elevator without professional help.
  
• Respect Weight Limits: Do not exceed the posted weight capacity of the elevator.
  
• Report Malfunctions: If you notice any irregularities, such as unusual noises or jerky movements, report them to building management immediately.

Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for elevator safety. In New Jersey, the Elevator Safety Subcode outlines the standards for maintenance and inspections to ensure the safe operation of these devices.

Determining and Proving Liability for Injuries Caused by Escalators and Elevators

If an accident occurs, determining liability is crucial for legal recourse. In New Jersey, property owners and maintenance companies can be held liable if negligence is proven. Key factors include:

• Negligence: Failure to maintain equipment properly or to conduct regular inspections.
• Causation: Direct link between the negligence and the injury sustained.
• Notice: Proof that the responsible party knew or should have known about the hazardous condition.

For instance, in a notable case, the family of a young girl sued a department store and its maintenance company after the girl’s foot was severely injured in an escalator accident. The lawsuit alleged that the store failed to maintain the aging escalator, leading to the injury properly.

New Jersey-Specific Regulations

In New Jersey, the Elevator Safety Subcode, outlined in N.J.A.C. 5:23-12, mandates regular inspections and maintenance of all elevator devices, including escalators and moving walks. 

Property owners are responsible for ensuring that these devices are in safe operating condition and conform to the applicable safety standards in effect at the time of installation or alteration.

Additionally, the state has established the Elevator, Escalator, and Moving Walkway Mechanics Licensing Board, which sets standards for licensing individuals responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining these devices. 

This ensures that only qualified professionals handle the complex mechanics of elevators and escalators, thereby enhancing public safety. 

Consult with an Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an escalator or elevator accident in New Jersey, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and navigate the legal process to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Rosengard Law Group, we are committed to advocating for victims of escalator and elevator accidents. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and will work diligently to hold responsible parties accountable. We offer compassionate and personalized legal representation to help you through this challenging time.

Contact us today for a free consultation.