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A new law to improve elevator safety requires all individuals engaged in the design, construction, inspection, maintenance and repair of elevators or other automated people moving conveyances to be licensed by New York State. The law also creates the New York State Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board to help establish recommendations for elevator inspections, examinations to satisfy licensing requirements, and enforcement to ensure compliance and promote public safety.

"Millions of New Yorkers rely on elevators to get safely to and from work, school and home, and for many disabled New Yorkers it is their only means of access," Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. "For too long unsafe and defective elevators have led to unnecessary injuries and even deaths, and this new law will help ensure all individuals working with elevators have the proper training and credentials to make sure these machines meet the safety standards necessary to provide reliable service."

The use of unsafe and defective elevators and other automated people moving conveyances exposes the public to unsafe conditions and can potentially cause serious injury or death. Additionally, the improper and uninformed manner in which some contractors and their employees design, construct, inspect, maintain, alter and repair elevators and other such conveyances creates an unnecessary, and preventable, health and safety risk to the public. Recently, there have been multiple deaths and injuries related to elevator malfunctions in New York State.

This new law will help protect the public and prevent injury from unsafe and poorly maintained elevators by requiring all individuals who work with elevators and other automated people moving conveyances to be licensed by New York State. In order to receive a license, these individuals will need to meet necessary qualifications and participate in training and continuing education.

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