Safe and Sound

How NEII’s New Year’s resolutions will continue its commitment to lead safety efforts across the elevator industry.

Part of the fun (and challenge) of a new year is to come up with a list of New Year’s resolutions and to share those resolutions with friends and family members who can support a successful outcome. Since its establishment in 1969, National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) has been focused on leading safety initiatives across the industry, but our commitment to industry safety really goes back more than 110 years to when the predecessor to NEII, the Elevator Manufacturers’ Association, was started on May 25, 1914. We are proud of our achievements over the last century, but we know there is always room for improvement. Hence, each year we review our accomplishments and set objectives for the next year. Read on to learn about NEII’s safety resolutions for 2025, which we will accomplish by working together with our industry partners.

Resolution #1: Up to Code

NEII resolves to continue working with jurisdictions to modernize codes and standards, including the adoption of the most recent model codes across North America. 

NEII, along with its members and industry partners, have been instrumental in developing the model elevator safety codes (ASME A17.1/CSA B44) and International Building Code (IBC). Industry representatives review the existing code language and work to incorporate changes that reflect the most recent safety best practices. As newer code editions are published every three years, NEII’s codes and advocacy teams work with AHJs across the U.S. to update their codes and safety standards. 

In 2024, updated versions of the IBC went into effect in three AHJs, while updated editions of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 went into effect in seven AHJs. Meanwhile, one AHJ had newer versions of both the IBC and ASME A17.1/CSA B44 go into effect. Oregon, for example, adopted A17.3 (2020) effective January 1, 2024 — the Beaver State previously had one of the four oldest standards for existing devices in the U.S. 

Provisions to enhance safety for elevator personnel incorporated in the 2022 edition of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 and already under consideration for adoption by AHJs include: 

• Hoistway illumination 
• Pit ladder width requirements 
• Pit ladder safety switches 
• Cybersecurity 
• Test enable operation 
• Flood operation 

Additional safety measures expected for the 2025 edition of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 include:

• Pit guarding 
• Counterweight warning system 
• Unintended movement on inspection operation 
• Protection of openings in floor of overhead machine room 

Resolution #2: Under License

NEII resolves to continue advocating for industry licensing across North America.

One of the most critical components of a modern elevator program is elevator mechanic licensing. Licensing requirements establish minimum standards for qualifications, education and training that can be relied upon by both the riding public and industry workers. The installation, maintenance and repair of elevators, escalators and moving walks are highly complex undertakings that require technical skills and demand a high level of expertise. For decades, NEII has been a strong proponent of licensing standards for elevator mechanics, as well as minimum requirements for elevator companies and inspectors.

NEII, along with critical industry partners, works to secure the adoption of industry licensing requirements, but requirements alone are not enough. A consistent enforcement mechanism to verify training and experience and inspections to ensure that work is completed in compliance with the adopted codes and other regulations is necessary to give confidence to the public in the safety of these critical systems. The oversight of qualifications by an AHJ also assures the industry workforce that those working on an elevator before them had the proper training. 

Only 11 states — Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina and Wyoming — have yet to adopt licensing requirements for elevator mechanics. While we would like to secure licensing in all of those states in 2025, that is not a realistic goal. Instead, NEII will be implementing targeted strategies in three to five states to advance licensing standards. 

Resolution #3: Strength in Numbers

NEII resolves to continue to play an active role in the Elevator Industry Safety Partners (EISP) and to work with organizations from across the elevator industry to finalize the 2025 edition of the Field Employees’ Safety Handbook.  

Coalitions and partnerships have played a critical role in helping NEII create a safer environment for the riding public and industry workforce. These efforts include EISP, an Alliance between OSHA’s 10 regional offices and the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF), International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), Elevator Contractors of America (ECA), National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) and NEII.

Together, the Alliance has published industry best practices around electrical safe work practices, hoisting and rigging and jumpers. Industry best practices under development include new hire training, fall protection and lockout/tagout. The Alliance also developed OSHA 10- and OSHA 30-h training materials for the elevator industry, while also collecting and analyzing elevator and escalator industry accident, fatality and injury/illness data to identify trends. 

NEII is also collaborating with members and partner organizations including NEIEP, NAEC, IUEC and ELEVATOR WORLD on the Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook. The latest edition, due out in the first quarter of 2025, will include new additions including a pre-start checklist for re-roping, as well as valuable information about mental health and well-being — one of the most overlooked and under-addressed safety issues among industry workforces.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to share NEII’s New Year’s resolutions with the elevator industry and look forward to achieving these goals together.  

A lot has changed over the years, but what has not changed is NEII’s commitment to safety. NEII and its member companies are dedicated to preventing incidents and injuries by improving safety codes, creating comprehensive safety resources and developing safe workplace best practices. And we will continue to partner with industry stakeholders to advance safety for industry workers and the riding public. Together, we can move the industry forward – in the safest way possible.