Using an elevator is something that many people do on a daily basis without giving it a second thought. We get in, press a button, and take a swift ride to the floor we work on, live on, shop on, or go to for any number of other purposes. Elevators, like any other equipment, require maintenance to keep things running smoothly or, when they break down, to restore them to be used safely.  Those who work in elevator repair are exposed to dangerous working conditions with each new job and sometimes, as in this tragic story of an elevator repairman who was found dead after working on an elevator at a North Miami apartment complex. Allegedly, the man was a co-owner of the elevator maintenance/repair business.

Elevator Repair Precautionary Measures

According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Florida Elevator Safety Act states that elevators must be inspected regularly. Inspections may only be conducted by a Certified Elevator Technician who has obtained the certification necessary to allow them to inspect, maintain, or repair elevators in the State of Florida. In order to register as a Certified Elevator Technician, one must first obtain a Florida Certificate of Competency, a credential that certifies that proper training has been received to perform the job duties associated with being a Certified Elevator Technician. An individual can apply for both the Certified Elevator Technician as well as the certificate of competency at the same time, on the same application. The application requirements for the certificate of competency, aside from paying the applicable fee and completing the application itself, include having to show proof of professional experience either by holding a mechanical engineer license or showing specific work experience along with training or licensure, completion of continuing education courses, and proof of general liability insurance provided along with the application.

Precautionary Measures Are Not Foolproof

Despite proper training and licensure, accidents can and will continue to occur, as it is nearly impossible to prevent every accident in a line of work as potentially hazardous as elevator maintenance and repair. If an employee is injured during this line of work, workers’ compensation is typically the standard recourse. The employer’s responsibility to carry insurance for its employees means that when an injury occurs during the course of employment, an employee’s benefits includes compensation for such things as lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills.

Contact An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Workplace accidents occur in all different lines of work, and some jobs are more dangerous than others. When a job-related accident happens, though, regardless of what type of work the victim is doing, the injured party is most likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.  If you have been injured on the job, an attorney can help you to learn about your rights to recover damages for your injury. The facts of each case are different, and an experienced legal professional will be able to determine what you may be entitled to receive for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.  Contact a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Miami today to lead you to recovery.