ERS Blog

Elevator Radio Show – Audio/Video #407 - Week 09/16/15

Last Wednesday I attended a Strategic Planning Session in Kansas City for the EESF and want to share that the future for the foundation and its supporters is exciting. I must admit that being part of the foundation for so many years it can be difficult to see the forest through the trees but with the help of strategic planner Mary Birch and some passionate board members we were able to understand that we’re not the only nonprofit organization going through changes and that these are necessary in order to continue to accomplish the mission of the foundation. It’s not going to be easy but I promise we’re going to get there and with the help of some very passionate people including the staff at the EESF.  I’ll talk more about this as the plan starts to unfold and am truly honored to be part of the process.

Educational Tools In China Speak To The Point! 

Educational Tools In China Speak To The Point! 

Elevator Radio Show – Audio/Video #406 - Week 09/02/15

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ersoa

It's good to be back after a few weeks, I missed you guys and gals. I also appreciate all the emails I received of support from so many of you letting me know much you enjoy the show each week and that you've missed it. I heard from not only those of you in the US but in the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Now that to me is pretty cool to know that the show reaches such a large audience worldwide. I'll talk a little more about what I've been up to which I hope will help set many of your minds at ease. We've got a $100 Visa Gift Card we're giving away today and have a ton of content to get through so grab a cup of joe or beverage of your choice and enjoy.

Special thanks to the companies who have donated goodies to the prize pack giveaway!C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Contractors, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Peelle, GAL, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorGear.com, ElevatorShack.com, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, Elevator Cab Renovations, The Elevator Preservation Blog, ECS Corporation, Parts Specialists, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing

Elevator Radio Show – No Show Today - 8/26/15

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me as I’ve been traveling more than I’ve been in the past. I have a lot of respect for those of you who do this pretty much non-stop throughout the year. It really takes a lot out of you. I was out yesterday so that means, in addition to the reports I have to complete today relating to my field trip I also have to play catch up. Meaning this time spent on the show needs to be redirected on the stuff that pays my mortgage.  I’ll be back next week with a fresh show and prize pack giveaway.  Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Elevator Radio Show – Show Notes Only #405 - Week 08/12/15

Back from the Northwoods of Wisconsin and a short getaway with family I wish today I was still there. Having audio/video issues for some reason so no recorded part of the show today. Thanks to everyone who reached out regarding the video with the woman falling into the elevator. Bob I got your voicemail and thank you for clarifying that the two workers at the top didn’t know what to do, how to turn the escalator off. This is truly terrible as everyone should know there’s a stop button at the top and bottom of the units. More accidents in China are linked below as well as other escalator accidents. It’s like the flood gates opened. Feel free to share.

News/Article Links: China Mall Blamed for Escalator Death Child breaks leg after falling from escalator – Asia Again Woman sustains cuts and bruises after fall on escalator Bethesda Metro Station Closes Again Woman found dead in elevator shaft Boy has left leg amputated after caught in escalator by untied shoelaces Elevators in Xiamen blacklisted following quality inspection This is why we support the EESF British boy almost looses foot Almanac: Escalators Child trapped at bottom of escalator in Orlando – Pick your feet up when getting off escalators!!! The Elevator Agency Launches Inflatable Space Elevator Sparks Interest Zack McCain on Elevators 101 New home elevator design Sox sues Insurer Shocking number of escalator accidents in China, why? Man’s lower leg amputated Beauty and the Beasts It’s safety awareness that counts!

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #405 - Week 07/29/15

China Needs Good Educational Tools For Escalators

China Needs Good Educational Tools For Escalators

I’m certain most of you have seen the video of the woman who fell into the top of the escalator as she pushed her child out of harms way but if you haven’t I’m warning you it’s one of the worst video’s I’ve ever seen, one that I plan not to watch again. It really has me thinking how could something like that happen and I don’t mean to speculate on what caused the accident but as we all know when equipment isn’t installed, maintained or inspected regularly this kind of accident is more likely to happen.  Another accident in China has graphic photos of a young toddler who has his/her arm actually stuck under the comb teeth. The article indicates the toddler tripped and fell but this baby doesn’t look like it can even walk. I’d like nothing more than to never link another article like either of these again and hope that steps are taken to improve upon safety as well as educating the general public on the importance of riding escalators, elevators and moving walkways safely. Special thanks to the companies who have donated goodies to the prize pack giveaway!C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Contractors, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Peelle, GAL, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorGear.com, ElevatorShack.com, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, Elevator Cab Renovations, The Elevator Preservation Blog, ECS Corporation, Parts Specialists, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing

No Show 7/22/15

ersnzI must have needed the rest because I slept right through the alarm clock.  Busy hard start to the week both mentally and physically.  No show but that doesn't mean we don't have information to share. A couple of notes that are important are below.

Chicago Elevator Association Golf Outing - August 7 - Sign up, sponsor a hole, come have a good time!

http://cea-online.org/calendar-of-events/

EESFC - Toronto Harbor Cruise - August 13th

http://www.eesf.org/safety/event/7th-annual-toronto-harbor-cruise/

 

Also thanks to everyone who shared their input with me regarding the show. I've got a pretty good idea on where I'll be going with it based on your help. I appreciate it.

 

 

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #404 - Week 07/15/15

Thumbs buttons I realized something last night while watching the ten o’clock news which I typically don’t tune into and that it really sucks. Each of the stories they covered lacked any depth or consistency in having a clear picture of what the story was about. It’s been awhile since I last the news and I remember why.  The way news is covered here in the USA is truly a disgrace and I have little respect for it. When ratings overrule common sense and sensationalism what’s the point. It had me thinking about this show and how it started and where it is today.  Maybe I’m tired, maybe it’s starting to sink in that the news I report on every week is already being delivered to your inbox each day so what’s the point. I guess this is a question I need to answer for myself is how this show can provide some different content that is worthy of your time each week. This is something I’m going to be working on as soon as I have some more free time. As always I appreciate all of you who watch, listen, provide feedback each week. I do believe that how we share the information and opinions makes a difference in making our industry a safer one. If you have any suggestions in improving the show I’d love to hear them.

News/Article Links: Update from MESA Four hurt in escalator accident at SF BART Station Nashville firefighters rescue woman After escalator outage trains pass station 5 Freed after stalled in elevator – Remember to stay in an elevator if it stops Metro reopens stop after escalator outage EESFC Toronto Cruise Registration Only Weeks away from EW Project of Year MCG escalator fall

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #403 - Week 07/08/15

Seems like forever and a day since I’ve done the show but in reality it’s only been two weeks. Why does time sometimes feel like it passes so quickly as well as feel as if it drags both at the same time? I must say it was an action packed two weeks which included the celebration of July 4th the US Independence day, which I hope everyone enjoyed.  A recap of the Elevator U conference will happen today and I personally thank everyone who attended and supported that event.

News/Article Links: Inspection Company - Employeed Testing Conflict of Interest San Japan attendees face reduced elevator access Ramp to be built outside courthouse because of elevator project Elevator installed for wounded Veterans to Train Man accused of grabbing child, luring to hotel elevator Passengers rescued from Light Rail Station Elevator replacement scheduled 2 Die in NRZ building elevator accident Elevator workers tackle suspected purse snatcher Report reveals downside of B.C. elevator and escalator use EW Unplugged: The U.S. and VTIP EW Online extras China elevator exports on the rise One killed, another critical in Durban lift accident Workers leg gets caught in escalator Vulcan Park’s Unique Elevator Man caught by hair on central railway station escalator

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #402 - Week 06/17/15

I'm ramping up for next week’s Elevator U Conference in Columbus, OH and looking forward to seeing many of you next week on the next stop of the conference schedule. Between the construction accidents and some children being hurt while playing on escalators it wasn’t a good week for news articles.  The EESF has just a short time to raise some much needed funds for the Safety Rider redevelopment program. We’re just shy of $46,000 of funds needing to be raised and we need to do so by the end of the month so we don’t get delayed with the first week of September’s launch time frame. Please consider donating today or helping the foundation. News/Article Links: Toddler loses hand in another escalator accidentFormer UMass Lowell Student charged with elevator arsonTrump rides escalator for 2016 campaign announcementWorkers remember man killed in elevator accident1 Killed, 1 severely Injured after elevator fallsPre-schooler hospitalized after getting foot stuck in escalatorWatch your wallet the next time you ride an elevatorNeed the elevator fixed? Don’t call the Fire DepartmentCurious George in the Big CityVan Ness west entrance closing for three yearsConstruction worker who fell 24 stories riding unsafe liftConstruction worker killed in elevator shaft at Baylor CampusNew Street station escalator faults top 800 in two yearsFinal WTC designed unveiledBoy hurt in escalator accident condition improvesCar elevators back in the newsEklunds announces new StreamLine Cab Design StudioEESF Needs Your Help!

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #401 - Week 06/10/15

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eesf-01-wb

Summer is finally here in the Midwest I think. Today is the 9th Annual Chicago Cruise to benefit the EESF. Should be a warm day out there on the water and I’m looking forward to it even though it’s going to be a long day.  I’m looking forward to seeing so many who listen to the show as well as come in for this event from all over the country. It’s one of the few times I get to really enjoy the great city of Chicago.   News/Article Links: Praying and drinking urine saves nuns in elevatorINDIA: Boy looses fingers in escalator accidentFlushable elevator toilets in JapanLove the litigation game….sighAmputee battles to get elevator fixedKiller animal elevator returns to ColosseumCTA Riders Irked by Escalator being turned offThere’s a word for the people who block the metro escalatorEESF Need’s to raise some cold hard cash before the end of June

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #400 - Week 06/03/15

elevatorindustrysafety Audio File Download Link

A much lighter show then last week as our industry mourned the death of two mechanics that lost their lives while working in the field. No matter how many times we talk about it, safety can never be over covered. Take time out to talk and cover toolbox safety meetings. I know we all get busy but at the end of the day knowing that a coworker or employee is never going to go home to their family should be enough for everyone to prioritize safety each and every day so that we never have another accident in the future. News/Article Links: 2015 Field Employees Safety Handbook Order Today! Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety Website Man falls down elevator shaft in SFO A little more on last week’s accident in Bloomington Also on the accident in NY Japan looking at installing toilets in elevators Flooding left apartments without water or elevators Stone India to set up escalator plant Elevator Stalls in Washington Monument Patrick Duffy thanks many who helped him after escalator fall Chicago Elevator Association Golf Outing Sign Up – 8/7/15 In Memoriam: Clarence “Pete” Fox Mining Equipment and Elevators in China? Berlin tackles paternosters Hyundai Elevator installs two double-deck elevators Elevator involved in deadly accident showed no malfunction May Vieew Newsletter Released Next Wednesday CEA Chicago Cruise EW Photo Contest Judging Open

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #399 - Week 05/27/15

IMG_1523 It’s a prize pack give away show everyone so listen to the end of the show to find out if you’re this month’s winner! It’s good to be back albeit a bit early for me. I wish this show wasn’t the kind I was doing. Word on the street is that two mechanics were killed, in different cities, while working in the field. What’s scary is this seems to be the third or fourth article that’s made it into mainstream news. Be safe out there no matter how you’re involved in the industry.

On a lighter note I attended the IAEC Forum last week in Nashville, great job on putting together a really enjoyable event. I really enjoyed talking with so many of you during our dinner and lunches. I learned a lot and will share a bit with you on my trip.  And finally thanks to all who donated to the prize pack giveaway. Without you we’d not have a box to send out each month.

Special thanks to the companies who have donated goodies to the prize pack giveaway! C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Contractors, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Peelle, GAL, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorGear.com, ElevatorShack.com, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, Elevator Cab Renovations, The Elevator Preservation Blog, ECS Corporation, Parts Specialists, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing News/Article Links: Mechanic killed in accident - IN Why TFL escalator and lift work can take so long 2 Year Old Boy Falls From Top of Escalator Homes with private elevators getting a lift EW Unplugged: Elevators in the Military IAEC Become a member today SMFTA to update Muni stations with elevators and escalators Elevator stalls with 24 Nebraska baseball players – Perhaps a few too many EIGSC Golf Tournament Support the EESFC Toronto Cruise! Guam’s entire elevator inspection industry is one man New Regs in FL Adventurous escalator rides Qatar Elevator and Escalator Forecast 2015-2021 Construction worker hurt after falling down elevator shaft South Korean man narrowly avoids being seriously hurt by elevator Boston: At least one in every five elevators not inspected Man killed by elevator was doing maintenance Chicago Cruise on June 10th! Elevator U Conference Registration – 26 Days Out

No Show 5/13/15 or 5/20/15

Still under the weather and when I can sleep I'm taking full advantage of it. I'll be attending the IAEC Forum next week in Nashville, TN and am looking forward to seeing many of you there. For those of you attending have safe travels and remember to wash your hands.  Should be back in two weeks pending any turn of events to my health or schedule. On a side note there are two events I wanted to remind everyone about. The first is the CEA Night At The Races tomorrow night (5/14/15) and the Elevator U Conference that's fast approaching in June. Click on the links for more information.

No Show 5/6/2015

ersscMan I picked up some bug that has just annihilated me.  I'm having trouble sleeping, my head feels like it's on fire and all I want to do is sleep but am unable to. What ever I've got I hope none of you get. It's been three nights of sleep where I've been able to stay down for a maximum of three hours. I'm hoping tonight it will be longer. If anyone has some suggestions on what I might be able to do to get better send them my way. I already saw the doctor and she noted I need to let it run it's course. The best I've felt in the last four days was last night after tossing back two beers. That is until it left my body. Wash your hands, take your allergy medication and stay away from sick people. Looking forward to feeling better and being back on the show next week.

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #398 - Week 04/29/15

ihubIt’s a prize pack give away show everyone so listen to the end of the show to find out if you’re this month’s winner! If you didn't get a chance to listen to the interview on your local NPR radio station this weekend I've got the link in the show notes today. It was fun being a part of it. Also thanks to the kind comments from many of you who took the time to write me after hearing it. On a personal note to my friends in Baltimore, my heart goes out to you and your great city. It’s hard to believe the riots, not protests that are happening.  In our great country where freedom of speech is one of our many rights these acts are nothing more than criminal activities. It makes me sick just hearing about it on the news let alone watching video coverage of it. Special thanks to the companies who have donated goodies to the prize pack giveaway! C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Contractors, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Peelle, GAL, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorGear.com, ElevatorShack.com, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, Elevator Cab Renovations, The Elevator Preservation Blog, ECS Corporation, Parts Specialists, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing News/Article Links: China: Mother killed after toddler pushed her into elevator shaft 2 Arrested in death of man whose body was found in elevator shaft Council of Labor remembers workers who died on job CTA Catches some of the blame for O’Hare train accident More on above CEA Night at the races – Register/Sign Up Today Woman injured in Dublin airport escalator fall sues for damages In NY? Attend a Elevator Repair Service production 54 Days until Elevator U Conference New 25 Story Hotel for the Meatpacking District BBC: 30 Escalators need repairs 69 Year old many punched in face on Metro escalator ATIS Buys rival elevator inspection business in St. Louis EW Unplugged: Funny Friday CECA Convention – Register Today Gregory Sebahar Rest in Piece Tom Sybert Interviewed On iHub NPR Radio Show

Fun on Innovation Hub - NPR

ihubIf you're driving around this weekend, (4/25- 4/26) turn your radio on to your local NPR station and you might just get to listen to a fun interview I had with Kara Miller, Host and Executive Director of Innovation Hub. In Boston it will be on at 10 am and around the country at various other times throughout the weekend. If you miss it don't worry, simply click on the blog post or various audio links below.  It's truly a fun program and I encourage you to subscribe to their podcast for future segments.

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #397 - Week 04/22/15

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #397 - Week 04/22/15 erssubA much better show this week with all the technical difficulties taken care of and with the disturbing news from the last two shows it’s nice to produce one with some more upbeat topics. Next week we will be giving away our prize pack so get your email address added to the subscribe list so you’re eligible to win. Remember no purchase necessary to enter, void where prohibited and all that good stuff. For those who are finishing up at the NAEC Spring Conference in Hawaii, I hope you had a great time and learned a lot.

News/Article Links: Interesting about Invasion of Privacy and Videos Family meets hero who caught child falling over side of escalator Injuries, failures reported on Augusta VA Elevators Riders ask about broken escalator at MTA Port Authority ordered to make transit station accessible Taylor County approves elevator replacement Memphis airport escalator replacement project underway 47-second elevator ride shows NY progress New super tall building for Chicago planned Slow skywalk escalator repair EIWPF: Work Safety Posters Company fined $28000 in elevator accident Prague airport hires porters because of no escalator

Elevator Radio Show - Week 04/15/15 **No Audio or Video**

ers-harness***No Audio/Video Show Today*** Technical Difficulties i.e. Windows Update Last Night SNAFU'd Computer*** Show notes below, add your own colorful commentary as you click through them all.  It’s a much better show content wise as it applies to injuries or accidents compared to last week which is good.  One article actually talks about using harnesses with a leash for kids in Malaysia after last week’s accident involving a six year old that was pulled over the side and fell five stories to her death. Let me make this perfectly clear, a leash and harness is the worst thing possible when riding an escalator. One of the golden rules of riding escalators is to make sure you have no loose fitting clothing or untied shoe laces before getting on.  If the leash was accidently dropped it might get caught in the moving equipment. This goes for elevators as well as we’ve seen video footage of dogs almost being strangled as they dart out of the elevators as the doors close, with the owner holding the other end. The elevator takes off, the dog get’s pulled up to the hallway ceiling. It’s a terrible image and one that we wouldn’t want to see happen to a child, not that it’s likely but still. So let me state this again, no child harnesses or leashes on elevators or escalators. This is common sense, however sometimes it’s not thought all the way through.

News/Article Links: TMI From Our Lawmakers EW Photo contest ending soon! Co-Op Owner wants $680,000 or exclusive elevator use Take a ride on a BART elevator Elevators need repairs at University of HI Prague airport train line didn’t budget for escalator State of Illinois Elevator Code Adoption Dogs in crowded elevators Vertical Transportation at Monticello Elevator scenes in ‘Mad Men’ Andrew Reams Autism Outreach Kids + Harnesses on Escalators =’s Danger! Construction worker dead after accident Korean hotel covered up accident EW Unplugged: Fantastic Funicular EIWPF: Safety Posters

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #396 - Week 04/08/15

Audio Link: Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #396 - Week 04/08/15 eesf150One fatality involving an elevator mechanic in Indiana and another injured in Texas have this week’s show one of the worst ones I’ve had to do in a while. In addition to these articles another one from NJ reported that an inspector also was injured after falling down an elevator shaft but the icing on the cake which made me sick was watching a little girl play at the top of a downward traveling escalator and being pulled over the side.  Parents, always watch your children at malls and anywhere for that matter. Never let them play around escalators or elevators they are not amusement rides. For the proper way to ride elevators and escalators visit the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation at www.eesf.org.

News/Article Links: Mechanic found dead at bottom of elevator shaft Worker seriously injured in elevator accident Elevator inspector falls in elevator shaft Six year old falls to her death playing on escalator NEII® Announces New 2015 BOD & Trust Committee NFTA Escalator replacement limping along Firefighter’s free girl after coat gets caught in escalator Voters set $18.65 million budget, includes elevators Bethesda Metro station closed due to escalator problem New Schindler 5500 Machine Room-less Elevator Elevator Office NAESA Central Workshop This Week

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #395 - Week 04/01/15

Audio Link: Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #395 - Week 04/01/15 ersccPayavator, the world’s first pay per elevator use service is celebrating its second anniversary. Founder Dewey Cheatum admits that the service has not yet caught on in North America and that pending litigation from Accessibility Groups most likely is the number one contributing factor. Cheatum however notes that the products current push into China has yielded some positive growth because they have no laws that help those requiring increased building accessibility as we do here in the United States.  Other plans currently being worked on by Cheatum include; A Frequent Rider Program which will measure the vertical miles traveled each month and year, a first class standing section closer to the doors and with more space, complimentary beverage service and early boarding.

   

News/Article Links: Payavator pay per use elevator service NAESA Central Spring Workshop Canyon elevator hoisted children to school Subway escalators down for three weeks: India Don’t want to work out? 1970’s Montgomery Hydraulic Video Elevator and Escalator Market in Japan Government promotes escalator riding practices Firefighter dies after falling down elevator shaft Amtrak makes ‘Down’ escalator go up Elevator fire evacuates UMass “Pop” Frohlinger Golf Classic registration open Chicago Elevator Association Meeting Tomorrow, April 2nd Be careful riding elevators in other countries Martha Stewart stalled in elevator EESF Important Fundraising Campaign Note EW Turkey Launches in May EW Unplugged: Elevator Women Diesel Ducy: Unboxes