Elevators are a form of transportation that don't require training or licensing to maintain. State Senator Marc Panepinto wants to fix that. Time Warner Cable News reporter Rebecca Vogt has more on his push to pass the Elevator Safety Act.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Some 60,000 elevators dot New York state, and a majority do not require a license to work on them. Fearing injury or worse, State Senator Marc Panepinto wants to tighten up legislation for these people-movers with the Elevator Safety Act.
"How could this be? When people's safety every single day in low-rise and high-rise buildings are at risk by the men and women who take care and install those elevators," questioned Panepinto.
Panepinto explained the bill would ensure training, increase licensure, and formalize licensure for elevator workers across the state.
"Contractors who fail to meet these qualifications are held accountable, and that the public who rely on these machines every day are protected. Worker lives, safety and dignity are worth more than any company profits," said Marshall Bertram of the WNY Council on Occupational Safety and Health.
Specifics include no fewer than four years of work experience and training and a state-issued written exam would also need to be passed to earn a license.
The Elevator Safety Act has passed four times in the Assembly but stalled each time it moved on to the Senate.
At least five deaths in the state were attributed to elevators in 2015. Earlier this year, a Tonawanda Coke worker died while performing elevator maintenance. Advocates say enough is enough.
"There's 42 co-sponsors, it was one of the top bills in the Senate last year, but it didn't make it to the floor," said IUEC Local 14 Business Representative Don Winkle. "Companies and building owners should not be allowed to put the public in danger by allowing them to ride equipment there's no training on."
The only cities that require licensing are Buffalo and Rochester. Panepinto added both are fine examples of what should become law across the entire state.
"It's not going to cost employers money... It's about safety and creating middle class jobs through training," said Panepinto.