Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently signed legislation (S.4080-C/A.4509) to improve elevator safety.

The law requires all individuals engaged in the design, construction, inspection, maintenance and repair of elevators or other automated people moving conveyances to be licensed by New York state. The law also creates the New York State Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board to help establish recommendations for elevator inspections, examinations to satisfy licensing requirements, and enforcement to ensure compliance and promote public safety.

“Millions of New Yorkers rely on elevators to get safely to and from work, school and home, and for many disabled New Yorkers it is their only means of access,” Cuomo said. “For too long unsafe and defective elevators have led to unnecessary injuries and even deaths, and this new law will help ensure all individuals working with elevators have the proper training and credentials to make sure these machines meet the safety standards necessary to provide reliable service.”

The law was approved 145-0 in the state Assembly.

The use of unsafe and defective elevators and other automated people moving conveyances exposes the public to unsafe conditions and can potentially cause serious injury or death. Additionally, the improper and uninformed manner in which some contractors and their employees design, construct, inspect, maintain, alter and repair elevators and other such conveyances creates an unnecessary, and preventable, health and safety risk to the public. Recently, there have been multiple deaths and injuries related to elevator malfunctions in New York state.

“By creating a statewide license, a uniform standard, and increasing the accountability for the installation and repair of elevators across our state we will not only improve the safety conditions for this workforce but also ensure a safer and more reliable service for all New Yorkers who rely daily on elevators to go about their lives and work,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, D-South Bronx and sponsor of the legislation. “There is no doubt that this legislation will help prevent serious injury and loss of life for elevator installers and repair personnel and users alike. I’m grateful to have worked with Governor Cuomo, Senator Diane Savino, labor leaders, labor committee, advocates and the staff and members of the labor committee to finally see this bill become law.”