A first-year elevator apprentice was working inside an elevator shaft of a building under construction. This young worker
was not aware that an elevator in this shaft was still being tested for operation by an elevator mechanic working in the
elevator machinery room.
The young worker was squeezed into a 6-inch
space when the elevator car moved from
one floor to another. He sustained
bruising to the back and front of his torso.
An accident investigation revealed that
the workers did not communicate with
each other and did not follow lockout
procedures. The young worker had not
received adequate instruction and
training. The activities of the workers had
not been adequately supervised.
Safe work practices:
- The employer must ensure that all
workers are adequately trained,
instructed, and supervised in the safe
performance of their duties.
- Lockout procedures must be followed
when working inside an elevator shaft.
