Issue Date:  -  Friday, 29 August 2003

Worksafe reassures public that lifts are safe

WorkSafe has reassured the public about the safety of Perth's lifts, following an incident on Monday in which two lift company employees were injured.

Acting Executive Director Nina Lyhne said WorkSafe had been receiving a large number of calls from concerned members of the public on whether lifts were safe.

"We've had quite a few people calling to ask whether lifts in buildings they work in or visit should be checked by WorkSafe inspectors to ensure their safety," Ms Lyhne said.

"Legislation requires property management or the main employer to regularly maintain lifts on a yearly basis and WorkSafe carries out random audits to make sure this is done.

"The lift involved in the incident this week was not undergoing regular maintenance but was actually under a major modification - the power had been switched off and the lift car was being supported temporarily by means other than the usual cables, a situation that would not occur with a lift in normal service.

"There are around 3300 lifts in Perth, and we are not aware of any other incident of this nature occurring in Perth.

"Members of the public can rest assured that lift travel is extremely safe."