I thought I could squeeze this show in before I head out on the road for the next few days but found I simply ran out of time. I'm up early but working on a presentation I'm giving on Thursday which involves remembering the crew of a B-52 that crashed during a training mission back in 1966 which is tomorrow. I've been actively involved in this memorial project since 2016 and it's always been a part of me since I was a kid. There will be a lot to catch up on next week as things will settle down and I can rest a little bit. I'm sorry for not bring the show to you the last four weeks and look forward to next week when I'm back. Work safe, remember our fallen hero's and thank a veteran for serving today.
Happy 4th of July!
There's no show today as I'm up in the north woods of Wisconsin, one of my favorite places to go, enjoying the outdoors, the lake with my family. It's a good time to reflect and take a breath as we put the world on hold for one day. Be safe, keep an eye out for the young ones who always seem to find the fireworks and make sure you take a moment to appreciate what you have. I'll be back next week with a new show.
No Show 6/27 or 7/4
I'm back from the Elevator U Conference last week and had a great time. It was great to see so many familiar faces and friends again. It was a great conference, some excellent presentations and a first class host facility, the University of Alabama.
Last week, this week and the following two weeks are packed with work/industry and family events. Plus I've caught some type of bug which has not helped with my sleeping patterns. I took full advantage of being able to sleep last night which my body needed.
Tonight is the Chicago Cruise which I'm looking forward to attending and next week is the 4th of July. Be safe in your holiday celebrations, spend time with family and I'll be back in two weeks.
Elevator Radio Show 507 – Week 6/13/2018
This is the kind of show I truly wish I didn’t have to do. One filled with accident after accident. What ties closely with the idea that Bob Shepherd shared in the May issue of the Progress he was nice enough to let me re-post on June 9th but it really gets you thinking beyond the safety and toolbox talks. Read the article and think about how you can go beyond just “talking” about safety but actually living it. I’ll share more on this in my commentary during the show.
News/Article Links:
Worker, killed in elevator shaft - Chicago
Maryland Construction worker died in elevator shaft
2 Construction workers killed – St. Louis
Local 2 Accepting applications for apprentices
SCS Elevator Products announces new President
Audit reveals issues with NYC inspections
Missing 19-year-old woman found in elevator shaft
Elevator Bill Kristopher’s Law
Chicago Elevator Open – August 3rd
What officials say caused the escalator to reverse
Elevator U Conference next week
Is elevator safety a “Silent Majority” or just a “Vocal Minority?”
Is Elevator Safety a “Silent Majority” or just a “Vocal Minority”?
Being a member of NAESA International I'm proud to be part of something that is concerned about safety as they are. With permission Bob Shepherd allowed me to share his letter from the executive director from last months Progress. I have to say that the Progress is one of the best informational pieces I look forward to reading each month. Thank you Bob for being so passionate about safety and for never letting up when it would be so easy to do so. - Tom Sybert
Is Elevator Safety a “Silent Majority” or just a “Vocal Minority”? - Written by Bob Shepherd - Executive Director - NAESA International - www.naesai.org
Bob Shepherd - NAESAi.org Executive Director
I hear and experience a lot about safety policies and procedures from pretty much the same group of people at safety meetings and at rare safety venues, but it is infrequent to hear those same policies and procedures repeated, reinforced or practiced by the people on the front lines, the end users who are the most vulnerable, the working men and women out there in the field. How can we get the Silent Majority to join and believe the Vocal Safety Minority? Many companies, if they have a safety person at all, employ one person who is tasked to identify safety needs, then educate, reinforce and audit safety, while hopefully instilling in each and every worker a lasting safety attitude, this safety person needs to have an optimism possessing tireless energy to keep the safety message and the safe environment flourishing. I am not a negative person, in actuality I am the exact opposite, but I am a realist and even though safety is taught with the best intentions and expectations, too many times the safety message falters and becomes a case of, I am out of sight, so I am out of mind for the recipient/worker. Once the safety audit is over, the next thought is: who won that ballgame, instead of let’s try to keep the positive safe work habits going. Seems to be, that far too many people suffer from: Elevator Safety Attention Deficit Disorder, let me call it ESADD. I know, another acronym, but if it is not an app or an acronym, today’s crowd won’t even discuss it let alone actually know and practice it. Not surprising at all with so many endless distractions we have in this crazy world of ours. Funny, even when we find some downtime and a rare peaceful moment, we just can’t let it remain so, let’s grab the device and open an app. If you do have a few minutes to exhale and relax, you can’t live without looking at what is on your smartphones, try putting your phones away, you may like experiencing what we have sadly lost, which was the time to think and be free of the non-beneficial brainwashing.
Now back to safety!
How can every one of us avoid not suffering from ESADD (Elevator Safety Attention Deficit Disorder)? Do we even have time to exhale today with all the distractions and interferences to our concentration on work and safety thoughts? Good thing breathing is an involuntary action, or we would all be dead from lack of air as we are distracted and forget to breath. Think of when you are out there in the field, regardless of your duties, whether you are a technician, inspector, consultant, safety person, yes even a safety person. Think about how many phone calls, emails and text messages you are involved with while trying to do your task at hand. The entire time you are trying to stay focused on the task at hand, let alone safety, someone says, “hold on or excuse me while I take this call or when you are multi-tasking to read an email or text and reply while trying to stay focused on the people with you”. People do not focus on the right now, but are always looking past the right now so concentration is lost. This is only one type of distraction, now add what is going on in your head at most times of your busy day and night. Distractions like: financial struggles, relationship issues, work load, next stop to make, job security concerns, family and personal health issues, thoughts of vacations, kid’s needs and on and on it goes like the bunny. So how is there even room for safety in that crowded, crazy and busy head? I know a few safety people who seem to be not focused on the here and now and quite too often give the feeling to others that they are always thinking to the next item or just getting done, we all in safety need to connect to each individual personally. Let’s call it good bedside manners, think of the right now and what is before you, instead of who you will see next or what next needs to be done. Be that safety doctor who really listens and takes time with the ailing patient, try harder to connect, gain trust and make a safety friend, not just a business associate and payroll number.
The next distraction is: nothing happens fast enough. Whether it is your own opinion, your employer or the customer. Everyone thinks it is taking too long or the wheels set in motion are moving too slowly. Think as you are driving down the road how fast you drive when taking the shortest trip. Hardly anyone obeys the speed limits anymore. If a person doesn’t speed along with the crazies now, you may and more often than not, bear the brunt of obscenities, aggressive drivers and possible road rage. Think about it, you are behind the wheel of your car, taking a five-minute ride to some store. The speed limit is 45mph, but you dive 60mph through the residential area with total disregard of the posted speed limit and the hazards you may create. Whoopee, you get to your destination 30 seconds sooner, I hope you take advantage of the added foolish time saved. The same is true for the hurry up and get it done attitude in the workplace. For whatever reason, once and a while there is no time for safety, but we can find the time to apply a band aid on that cut finger or make a trip to the emergency room or worse. In today’s world we have a hurry up and wait attitude, why? Because nothing happens fast enough in this high-speed world, from internet access to restaurant service to package delivery to fixing elevators in hopes of keeping the masses happy. I personally would rather slow down, think and live, why wouldn’t you?
Why Dreaming Big Can Help Save a Life
Hopes, dreams and goals are what should help drive people to work safe and help others stay safe!
Hopes and dreams are a huge part of safety, because your hopes and dreams of your future depend on and should ultimately guide your daily safety strategy.
So, dreaming big is exactly what you need to do to stay safe and to help keep others safe. You need to work hard on safety, and stick to it.
Because a big dream is important, and will help you set your safety goals, but it is only the first step, but it could be the most important step on a given day
What dreams and goals do you hold in your heart, which will make you want to live a long time and help avoid ESADD? I will share my most important dream and goal in my life, now that I am getting older. A thought I live by: dreams and goals are pretty much the same, except that goals have deadlines. So, my dream is a simple one, achieving this goal might be the difficult part though. I have two children and until three years ago I didn’t have any grandchildren and never expected any since both of my children are up in years, but it happened. Now I have three grandchildren, twins from my daughter and son-in-law and a little boy from my son and daughter-in-law. My grandchildren are now my life and probably the most important reason why I want to walk this earth for as long as possible. I actually only knew one of my grandparents and have no memory of the other three which were gone from my life long before memories of them could be retained in a young child’s head. Now my dream: I want to live long enough so that my grandchildren will remember me and then in some way know that I touched their young lives and had a positive influence on who they may become. Every day, whether home, working, vacationing or really doing nothing at all, think safety and protect your dreams. You and I can’t realize dreams and achieve goals if we are not here walking amongst them.
I don’t believe for one minute that enough is being done in the name of safety to bring the human being into safety, where’s the passion and compassion? Where are the programs to keep family and their dreams in safety daily? I know of a few who try, but very few! Write all the safety procedures you wish, but until the end user realizes what will be lost if safety is ignored or abbreviated, accidents will continue to happen, and more lives will be lost. We need to have a take your child to work day every day in your hearts! Make Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and every other special day each and every day and then add a “Let’s All Live Day” to every one of those days!
Stop, think and consider who needs you and the wishes you still have in life to satisfy your dreams and attain your goals. Please become part of the vocal safety minority and help it foster a safety focused majority, this is the best path to living and realizing your dreams and achieving your goals, for you and the others you touch. I know at times I ramble on as I try to deliver the safety message, but I believe my heart is in the right place. I am by no means a safety expert, but I will use every ounce of my energy and whatever expertise I have to try and avoid an accident and in turn try to save a life.
Think about what brings joy to you and others, don't let an accident steal your joy!
On an almost closing note: summer is close, and many dangers await the uninformed, the foolish or the too young to know better group. Many hazards await the, I can’t wait to get outside crowd when taking advantage of the warm weather, vacations with the no rules or no caution needed attitude some have. Danger can lurk at every turn, from amusement rides, watercraft, lakes, oceans, swimming pools, motorsports, hiking, camping, mountain climbing, sunburn risk and on and on the list goes. Don’t let your vacation and summer season experience end in an emergency room. Contemplate all the risk involved with your summer activity and mitigate all the risk, it only takes a minute to plan, but not doing so, may cause a lifetime of pain or loss. Above all, please don’t drink and drive and put those cell phones down when driving. I live in a seashore summer resort area and I see weekly what happens when alcohol is not kept separate from motorized vehicles. My experience has been only an inconvenience so far with the electric being off till the power company can replace the pole hit by the intoxicated driver, but too many times the ultimate price is paid by the thoughtless and more sadly the innocent. I have seen this first hand far too often as a younger man, when I was a volunteer fireman. Don’t take the risk!
Let’s continue to work together to help save lives by doing whatever it takes, life is worth the effort! I love you all and I want all of you here with me for many years to come!
Thanks for listening and your support, be safe!
Sincerely,
Bob Shepherd
“Stay Safety Pinned”
www.naesai.org
Elevator Radio Show 506 – Week 6/6/2018
Please do not allow your children to ride escalators alone! Visit www.eesf.org for more information and a better understanding on how safely to ride escalators, elevators and moving walkways.
It's catch up week after postponing last week’s show. Unfortunately I have too many articles that involve accidents to share, three tragic which could have been prevented. In addition I’ll share a scary story regarding a friend/mechanic who was involved in an accident last year in while in the field. Just as a reminder if you need your QEI certification renewed you need to get on that quick! For more information visit NAESAi.org.
News/Article Links:
Construction worker dies in alleged elevator malfunction
Cousin recalls man who fell from construction elevator
In Memoriam: Bernard Kelly - Ottawa
NJ Transit Secaucus escalator reverses direction injuring 3
This is what happens when you’re not paying attention
Man dies after falling off escalator
2-Year-old injured on escalator
Man clowning around leads to escalator death
In case you forgot how to ride escalators
Seniors, disabled at risk in downtown high-rise
Lawsuit filed against hotel in drowning
Legislators advance elevator-safety measures in PA
Tiny home is outfitted with an elevator
Pile up on escalator, teach people about the stop button
What does a Sturgeon elevator look like?
Paralyzed man gets elevator, home repairs
China develops elevator response vehicle
How Bill de Blasio Bought NYCHA
No Show - 5/30/18 - Computer Updating....This will take a while.
The show notes are done, but my production computer is updating and at 24% now crawling along at a snails pace, (it took an hour to get to this point). It's an important show as well so I'll see if I can work it in tomorrow or Friday if possible. If not I'll be back next week. Work safe everyone.
Elevator Radio Show 505 – Week 5/23/2018
This is a picture of my great uncle, Loren Jerome Gregory, aged 16 years, in Manila in October 1941. Six months later he would be walking in the Bataan Death March in April 1942, turning 17 years old that May, dying in a Japanese camp in August 1942.
First and foremost make sure on Monday, while spending time with family, you take the opportunity to share and talk about your family members and friends who died while serving our country. Neither we nor generations to come can forget the ultimate sacrifice they gave by serving. They are the reason why we enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Week 5/16/18 - No Show
I'm not one to make excuses for anything but I simply needed a good nights sleep. The last five nights it's been less than that which has had me simply getting out of bed and heading to work to attempt to catch up on work. So pretty much every day has been similar to what my typical Elevator Radio Show Wednesdays are like. I'm looking forward to getting through this week and hope the next is a little easier.
Elevator Radio Show 504 – Week 5/9/2018
On today’s program I get to get to share an experience I had regarding an elevator from 1934, an accident and the problem with building/elevator owners who simply won’t invest in there elevators. So what’s the moral of the story? When you’re a cheap ass slumlord with no intention of investing in your buildings there’s a good chance someone is going to get hurt or worse lose their life. As contractors, inspectors, consultants and manufacturers we all need to take steps to make sure these people understand the ramifications of not maintaining, repairing and/or upgrading their elevators could lead too which is injury or worse.
Elevator Radio Show 503 – Week 5/2/2018
BART's approach to keeping elevators drug and urine free with elevator attendants might just be what is needed to prevent both from happening.
Today’s show leads with what I think is a pretty good idea as it relates to the issues of elevators being used as bathrooms in Transit Systems in large metropolitan cities. While the pilot program will prove whether it’s effective or not I give BART a lot of credit for giving it a try. The show is short and sweet today.
News/Article Links:
BART AND Muni elevator Attendants shoo urinators
Elevator attendants may be the way to go
Otis launches higher level of customer service
Elevator repairs set for MAX Stations
How Popular Science covered the ESB Opening
MTA Building three new elevators
Investigation launched into boys foot entrapment
One minute attack let hackers spoof hotel keys
Elevator Radio Show 502 – Week 4/25/2018
I was close to only sharing one news story today and looking back maybe I should have. Each that follows the lead article fails to compare to the tragedy of losing another elevator mechanic. I read other articles and Facebook posts where those who knew Randy referred to him as a Superhero. I need you all to remember that you are someone’s Superhero. You may not feel like it but you are and those whom might view you as such would never be the same if something like this were to happen to you. Our industry sends its most deep heart sympathy to the friends and family of Randy Wilson. Work safe out there.
Last Show Of The Month – Prize Pack Giveaway – Thanks To The Following Prize Pack Giveaway Donors!
C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, NAEC, Elevator Cab Renovations, Parts Specialists Inc, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, Peelle, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing
Elevator Radio Show 501 – Week 4/18/2018
It’s a slow week in news which gives me a little time to reflect on life in general. Thank you to all of you reached out to me in the last week regarding our 500th show. It’s been my pleasure to bring it to you each week.
News/Article Links:
Elevator rides can be meaningful
GR’s last elevator operator nears
Woman injured when elevator drops
Man rescued from bottom of elevator shaft
Escalator Mfg creates VR experience
DOB publishes first-ever report on NYC’s 84,000 elevators
NYC’s DOB Elevator Report Link
Elevator Radio Show 500 – Week 4/11/2018
Tom Sybert - Being Interviewed on Innovation Hub at WBEZ NPR in Chicago.
I was never really a big fan of milestones or my own birthday for that matter and simply feel lucky just being able to do what I enjoy doing. I want to thank each of you for joining me each week as I’ve made some awesome friends along the way. So thank you for helping make me want to do this each week.
Yes, it seems that the three thumbnail choices that Youtube pulls from my video are sometimes the most ridiculous ones in the world. My goal is to share ones that are the worst.
News/Article Links:
Convicted of stabbing two children in elevator convicted
Metro trying out colored handrails
Rooftop dining area will likely require an elevator
$1 Million for birdcage elevator
Lawsuit against too many accidents?
When will licensing happen in NY
You’re never too old to do anything
QEI June renewal opens May 1st
Apprenticeships popular as workers turn to trades
Navy’s new advanced weapons elevator
CEA Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
7 Injured after escalator malfunction
Elevator Radio Show 499 – Week 4/4/2018
It’s good to be back after visiting my oldest son in Montana during Spring Break with my family. We drove which gave me lots of time to think and some of which applied to the show. I’ll share more on this next week when we hit show number 500. However there’s a stack of articles to get through many of which are not all that positive unfortunately. As always, thanks for tuning in to the show!
News/Article Links:
Philly Elevator Contractors Union gives a lift
Registrations open for Elevator U
5-Year-Old’s hands get trapped in escalator
Man dies after makeshift elevator falls on him
KONE Acquires Heartland Elevator
Child taken to hospital after falling down elevator shaft
Man’s legs injured in escalator accident
Michigan family rescued from stalled elevator
Crews rescue woman after she falls into elevator shaft
Library wants to replace ‘temperamental’ elevator
Keep your feet away from the sides of escalators
Fire Department trains in LIRR elevator rescue
Boston high rise without working elevators
Elevator enthusiast’s collection draws attention
Oracle Elevator Announces New Technology Center
CEA Meeting tomorrow and other events
No Show – 3/21 & 3/28
It’s been an extremely busy week at work and on top of it I’ve been trying to get ready for a short family trip out to Montana which starts at 1 am on Friday morning. It’s one of those endless driving trips from Chicago which will take almost a day to get there. The good news is for once I’ve got four drivers which should make spreading the time behind the wheel a bit more bearable. We’re heading out to visit my oldest son during spring break.
I realized last night that I needed to bank some sleep hours before the fun begins and know that while I can handle one early morning without sleep two in one week is tough on me. We should be getting back next Wednesday in the morning so the next two weeks there will be no show.
Elevator Radio Show 498 – Week 3/14/2018
It’s hard to believe we’re in March after receiving a bit of snow in Chicago yesterday and seeing the storm that’s hitting the Northeast right now. Hopefully whatever snow is left is gone by July 4th. We’ve got a good show today, stories, content that will have you wondering what the heck Comportation means.
News/Article Links:
Employee airlifted after being trapped in elevator shaft
MTA Violated Law Omitting Elevators in Station Upgrade
Carlsbad Caverns: Elevator Delays
Elevator U Conference Registration Open
How to keep your elevator biz from crashing
Man found at bottom of elevator shaft
Delhi: Elevator accident, 5 injured
Maxton Manufacturing Company training heads north
You’ve been served, how to respond to respond
Elevator Radio Show 497 – Week 3/07/2018
Crazy elevator openings at the Rosemont Parking Garage gives a whole new meaning to "Got Lift"? Photo Credit: J. Day
It was nice to see many of you at the NAESA International Spring Workshop on Friday. I appreciate the opportunity to provide a very quick update on the EESF and what we covered during our annual meeting. Education is critical in everything we do and continuing it yearly if not daily is important. The day I stop learning something new is the day I should be in the eight feet under. Share what you learn with others, especially when it comes to preserving and protecting the safety of others.
Get your "got lift" Goods today by clicking the image above.
News/Article Links:
Person injured after elevator malfunctions
KONE testing first tweeting escalator
Eavesdropping on elevator talk
$2.8 million to fix escalators
Restaurants with table in an elevator shaft
Old elevator equipment can be difficult to trouble shoot
Global spiral escalator market report 2018-2022
Mall not at fault for teens escalator fall
Elevator Radio Show 496 – Week 2/28/2018
There is so much to cover on the show today that’ I’m certain of leaving something or many things out. First and foremost I’m back from the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation Annual General Meeting and it felt good to pass the gavel on to Mark Mullins the EESF’s new Chairman. I’m proud to be a member of the foundation and also to have helped it these past few years but now it’s ready for the executive board to help it reach its goals and promote its mission.
Last Show Of The Month – Prize Pack Giveaway – Thanks To The Following Prize Pack Giveaway Donors!
C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, NAEC, Elevator Cab Renovations, Parts Specialists Inc, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, Peelle, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing
News/Article Links:
NYPD Officers deliver baby in side elevator
China warns parents after boy caught on camera
Workforce development complex elevator gets state approval
Observation deck and 1000-foot-tall external elevator
Salem weighs $250K elevator expense
Boys foot caught in airport escalator
Province introduces bill to regulate repair times
26 rescued from overloaded elevator
CEA Business meeting March 1st
Why the world still awaits its first space elevator
Beijing elevator charges 3 US Cents per ride
Man injured in fall from escalator rail
The do’s and don’ts of elevator safety
Costly elevator safety regs are coming to NY
Elevator Radio Show 495 – Week 2/14/2018
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! It’s an action packed show today with lots to cover. Next week I’ll be in Tampa attending the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation Annual General Meeting. I’m looking forward to it and sharing the progress the EESF has been making. I’ve been lucky to have had my turn helping guide the foundation along and look forward to supporting it in the future. I return early Wednesday so there will be no show next week.
News/Article Links:
Oracle Elevator completes four acquisitions
Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted
Please don’t take dogs or cats on escalators!
TKE Thriving on steel and elevator sales
ISU student suffers minor injury
Ryerson had 71 elevator breakdowns
Man want’s answers why leg got caught in escalator?
Crook roughs up and robs a teenager inside elevator