If your apartment building has an elevator, do you always look ahead of you when entering and leaving it? Chances are you do most of the time, but if you're distracted, you risk that the elevator floor won't be level with the landing floor. This could lead to tripping injuries or worse.
For example, in March 2010, a 35-year-old man fell to his death down an elevator shaft while moving into a New York City apartment. When the elevator doors opened, he unwittingly backed into the shaft as he pulled a large mattress along, not realizing that there was no floor behind him, according to a report from 1010WINS.com.
Living in an elevator building is such a convenience to tenants that it's easy to forget that an elevator may become a serious safety hazard when it's not working properly. When your focus is elsewhere, such as when you're lugging a heavy item or engrossed in a cellphone conversation, remember to take a moment to glance at the floor when entering and leaving an elevator. This simple step will help ensure you always have a safe trip to and from your apartment.
