REPORT LOOKS AT ELEVATOR-RELATED CONSTRUCTION DEATHS

In light of a recent elevator-related construction fatality at Salt Lake City (SLC) International Airport, Construction Dive shared statistics about such fatalities from a Center for Construction Research and Training report. Noting the number of elevator-related deaths among workers is relatively small when compared to total construction fatalities, the number of such deaths doubled from 14 to 28 between 2003 and 2016. The peak was 37 in 2015, and the most common cause was falls from heights of at least 30 ft., as was the case in the SLC incident. Elevator workers also die from being struck or electrocuted, with elevator installers having the highest fatality rate among professions that include ironworkers and roofers. The report notes most elevator-related fatalities occur among people who are younger than 35, but said it is unclear whether this is due to lack of experience or there simply being more younger people in the workforce. Measures for preventing fatalities include having the proper personal protective equipment, clearly marking and controlling access to shafts and having proper safety training.