Elevator-related deaths in Western Turkiye between 2011 and 2023

Abstract

Elevator-related deaths can be seen as a result of various mechanisms such as asphyxia, blunt force, and avulsion injuries. In one of the largest autopsy centres in the west of Turkiye, 27 cases of elevator-related death occurring over a period of 12.5 years (01 Jan 2011–30 June 2023) were retrospectively examined. The current study is the first to have investigated elevator-related deaths in Turkiye. The victims were seen to be in the age range of 1–88 years and 85.2 % were male. Of the total incidents, 59.3 % were occupational accidents with the location most frequently being a construction site. The victims were most often construction workers and factory workers. The elevator was determined to have been actively working in 74.1 % of the incidents. A fall into the elevator shaft was determined in 40.7 % of the cases and crushing below the elevator was the most common injury (25.9 %). The accidents were seen to be due to insufficient workplace safety precautions (44.4 %) and maintenance/preventative deficiencies (40.7 %). Internal doors were absent in 66.7 % of the elevators and present in 25.9 %. A single person in the elevator was injured in 81.5 % of the accidents, two people in 11.1 %, and 4 people in 7.4 %. The cause of death was most often general body trauma and blunt head trauma. Examination of the scene of the incident is complementary to autopsy in elevator-related deaths. Precautions to be taken against the factors affecting elevator-related deaths will ensure a safer life for workers and daily users.