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Elevator had other problems before death

Elevator 2 in the Foundation building at Cal State Long Beach, where Annette Lujan died on Dec. 7, 2011, had multiple other maintenance issues of the same type within the last year and a half, according to service records completed by Schindler Elevator Corp.

Lujan died when she tried to escape from the elevator as it was stuck between the second and third floor. The elevator began to move downwards, crushing her.

On Oct. 7, 2011, Elevator 2 was reportedly bouncing on the third floor and needed oil. On Oct. 19, 2010, Elevator 2 was jumping before it would go to the third floor and it would “jerk,” according to service records. 

Service records by the same company also showed that on Aug. 1, 2011, Elevator 1, the only other elevator in the building, was bouncing when it reached the third floor. Elevator 1 was out of service for repairs at the time of Lujan’s death in December and, as of March 13, 2012, a sign on the door of the elevator stated that it is “out of order for service and repairs.”

According to Peter Melton, public information officer for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the investigation into the elevator fatality is still ongoing. He said that no information would be released until the report is finished. 

OSHA investigations have a six-month deadline to complete a report, which, in this instance, would mean June 2012 at the latest.

“They may take the whole six months or they may not,” Melton said.

Edward Parra, manager of engineering and electrical services for facilities management at CSULB, gave no comment in regards to the elevators in the Foundation building.

In the U.S., there were 41 total deaths in 2006 in relation to elevators and aerial lifts, 32 in 2009 and 30 in 1999, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities Program.

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