We have all heard urban legends about elevators falling. Whenever you step into an elevator, you trust that the mechanisms keeping you safe will do their job. But how often do elevators fall? Is it a common occurrence, or a rare one? And is it really as dangerous as people make it out to be? Let’s take a look at the science to find out.
Elevator falls are actually quite rare. In the United States, there are approximately 18,000 elevator mishaps each year. Of those 18,000 incidents, only 30 result in fall-related injuries. And of those 30 injuries, only 10 are serious enough to require hospitalization. So while elevator falls may be rare, they can still be quite dangerous.
Most elevator accidents are caused by human error, not mechanical failure. In fact, less than 1% of all elevator accidents are caused by mechanical failure. Most of the time, it’s things like tripping and falling while getting on or off of the elevator, or getting stuck between the doors as they’re closing.
Types of elevator falls.
There are two main types of elevator falls: free-fall and sudden stops. Free-fall accidents occur when the elevator suddenly loses power and begins to drop. These incidents are usually caused by a failure in the brake system or a loss of power to the elevator motor. If the cables that hold an elevator car in place were to snap, for example, the car would free-fall until it reached the bottom of the shaft. However, these sorts of accidents are incredibly rare, and most modern elevators have multiple redundancies in place to prevent them from happening.
Sudden stop accidents, on the other hand, happen when the elevator comes to an abrupt stop, usually due to a mechanical malfunction. Both types of accidents can cause serious injuries to passengers.
So how can you protect yourself from being injured in an elevator fall? The best way is to pay attention to your surroundings and stay alert. If you feel like something is wrong with the elevator, don’t hesitate to push the emergency stop button or call for help. And always hold onto the handrail when stepping into or out of an elevator. By following these simple safety tips, you can minimize your risk of being injured in an elevator accident.
Conclusion
Elevator falls may be rare, but they can still be dangerous. Pay attention to your surroundings and stay alert when riding in an elevator, and always hold onto the handrail when entering or exiting the car. All in all, you can rest assured that riding in an elevator is a safe bet. Sure, accidents can happen from time to time, but they’re usually due to human error rather than mechanical failure. So next time you step into an elevator, don’t worry too much about it plunging suddenly to the ground – chances are it’s not going to happen! By following these simple safety tips, you can help keep yourself safe in the event of an accident.
