Luzerne Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a bill aimed at enhancing elevator safety standards in the state. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), seeks to address outdated safety codes that have not been revised since 2002.

Senator Baker highlighted the tragic incident involving Luzerne County Correctional Officer Kris Moules, who died eight years ago after an altercation with an inmate resulted in both falling down an elevator shaft due to a faulty door. "This incident hits close to home for me, as Kris was not just a dedicated officer but also a close friend of my son – a talented young man whose life was cut short far too soon," said Baker.

In response to this event, Act 68 of 2018 established the Elevator Safety Board to focus on elevator construction, maintenance, and inspection issues. Despite initial efforts, Pennsylvania's elevator code remains outdated compared to national standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which have been updated seven times since 2002. Recommendations from the Elevator Safety Board were submitted to the Department of Labor and Industry in late 2020 but have yet to be implemented.

Senate Bill 1230 mandates that the Department of Labor and Industry adopt an updated safety code by July 1, 2025. Before this adoption, the Elevator Safety Board can propose modifications based on its expertise. The bill sets clear timelines to ensure these updates are not delayed further.

Baker emphasized her commitment following Kris Moules' death: “After Kris’s passing, his mother, Kitty Moules, looked me in the eye and said, ‘Please make sure people are safe and Kris’s death was not in vain.’ I made a promise to her that I intend to uphold – one that reflects the expectations of a community that lost a bright young man to unforeseen dangers.”

The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Jennifer Wilson is available for contact regarding this matter.