NEII Field Safety Committee Meets in Florida

thyssenkrupp hosted the winter meeting of the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII®) Field Safety Committee in Coral Springs, Florida, in early November 2017. In Larry Leadingham’s absence, Austin Bacack was host. Corey Ward of KONE was reelected chairman. The meeting was joined by Mike Langer of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) in an effort to improve coordination between the two groups, who are both concerned with safety in the field. Also new to the group was David Lloyd, representing Abel Elevator International.

There was a general opinion that there are more accidents happening now, and, therefore, a concerted effort is needed. The committee noted it would be good if NEII and the IUEC could share information on “near misses” with anonymity. There was considerable discussion about changes to be made in the 2020 Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook, and meetings in 2018 and 2019 will finalize those changes. Bob Rodriguez of Otis introduced an “Extendable Insulated Stick” that will be on the market soon. It is intended to keep the technician out of the danger zone on a car top.

Others present at the meeting were: Kevin Brinkman, secretary; Travis Groh, MEI; Scott Johnson, Schindler; Tim Daly, National Elevator Industry Educational Program; Ian Andrews, Mitsubishi Electric; Ray Downs, TEI Group; Karen Penafiel, NEII; and your author, Ricia Sturgeon-Hendrick of Elevator World, Inc. Reported by Ricia Sturgeon-Hendrick.

Hard Rock Unveils Guitar-Shaped Hotel

Leaders of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International unveiled a long-envisioned guitar-shaped hotel at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida (ELEVATOR WORLD, May 2016), on October 25, 2017, the Miami Herald reported. The 36-story, 450-ft.-tall hotel will hold 638 rooms and is part of a major expansion of the resort complex. The unveiling was kicked off with a drum solo by Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, followed by a “guitar-smashing ceremony,” complete with spraying sparklers. In addition to the new hotel, the US$1.5-billion project includes an expansion of the casino facilities, as well as a new, 7,000-seat theater with video studio facilities. The hotel will feature restaurants and lounges, a 41,000-sq.-ft. spa and a 10-acre “lagoon-style” pool with private villas and butler service. The project, targeted for completion in mid 2019, will bring nearly 10,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs to the site in South Florida.