As 2026 begins, building owners and property managers are looking ahead. With tighter code enforcement, aging equipment, and increased traffic in multi-tenant buildings, elevator safety has to stay at the top of the priority list.
This guide breaks down key elevator safety concerns and how commercial properties can prepare, maintain, and modernize their systems to avoid costly shutdowns, legal issues, or worse: injuries.
Why Elevator Safety Still Needs Attention
Elevators are part of daily life in commercial buildings. Offices, hospitals, retail centers, and multi-use towers all depend on them to move people efficiently. But when these systems fail, they don’t just cause inconvenience. They can create serious risks for riders and liability for building owners.
At Southern Elevator, we’ve seen that most safety failures start small: a slow door response, a missed leveling cue, or outdated emergency communication equipment. Over time, these warning signs build into full-blown safety hazards.
That’s why the start of the year is a smart time to revisit your elevator safety strategy.
1. Regular Maintenance Isn’t Optional
Missed maintenance leads to real risks
An elevator that skips its regular service is very unsafe. Parts wear down. Sensors drift out of alignment. Door operators start to lag. What begins as minor wear can lead to riders getting stuck between floors, or doors that won’t reopen when they should.
What a solid maintenance program looks like
Your elevator safety plan starts with reliable service. This includes:
- Monthly or quarterly visits by a licensed technician
- Inspection of safety circuits and emergency brake systems
- Functional checks of cab doors, hall call buttons, and leveling
- Oil sampling (for hydraulic systems) and traction system lubrication
- Communication system testing
Working with a trusted provider like Southern Elevator, who has decades of experience servicing commercial buildings across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, helps you keep up with evolving building demands.
2. Modern Code Compliance and Risk Management
2026 code enforcement is tightening
National elevator codes change every few years. States like NC, SC, and VA often adopt updated versions of ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators), along with local fire, accessibility, and building codes. Outdated elevators may be grandfathered in, until something breaks.
Key safety features to prioritize
For commercial elevators, the following features are often required or strongly recommended:
- Two-way emergency communication that connects directly to a staffed location
- Fire service recall systems that pull elevators to the correct floor in an emergency
- Door reopening sensors that prevent contact injuries
- Anti-creep and unintended motion protection
- Updated cab lighting and emergency battery backup
If your system is more than 20 years old and hasn’t had a modernization, it’s time to check where it stands against current safety standards. Older systems not only put riders at risk, they make your building more vulnerable to shutdowns, citations, or lawsuits.
3. Emergency Communication That Actually Works
Not all elevator phones are compliant
Elevator cabs must have functioning two-way communication systems for emergencies. But many older systems connect to unstaffed lines or outdated switchboards, making them useless in a real emergency.
Current elevator safety codes require:
- A hands-free device within the cab
- A connection to a live responder, not just voicemail or call centers
- Visual and audible indicators for passengers who are hearing or speech impaired
Testing this system regularly is critical. Southern Elevator technicians verify not only that the call connects, but that the entire system, including cabling, power, and fallback battery, is functioning.
4. Door Safety and Rider Protection
Most elevator injuries involve the doors
Doors that close too quickly, don’t reopen on contact, or misalign with the floor are common culprits in elevator accidents. This is especially risky in buildings with high pedestrian traffic, mobility-impaired passengers, or freight movement.
Upgrading door sensors from mechanical to optical systems can prevent contact injuries. These newer sensors create a full light curtain across the cab entrance, recognizing even small objects like canes or packages.
Proper leveling matters
If the elevator doesn’t stop flush with the floor, passengers can trip or fall during entry. This is more common in worn hydraulic systems but can affect any elevator with under-maintained leveling equipment.
Leveling problems are both a safety hazard and a compliance issue. A trained technician can adjust these systems or recommend updates when components wear past their usable range.
5. Safety Checks During Modernization
Modernization isn’t just about looks
When elevators get a cab upgrade, new panels, lighting, flooring, it’s also a good time to review critical safety systems. Many older buildings update the look of the cab without addressing what’s behind the walls.
Modernization projects should include a safety check of:
- Control systems (especially if still relay-based)
- Emergency brakes and governor systems
- Door operators and sensor packages
- Fire recall and machine room ventilation
- Interlocks, buffers, and communication upgrades
If you’re considering a modernization this year, Southern Elevator can walk you through which components are safety-critical and which are code-driven.
6. Supporting Tenants with Accessible Systems
Elevator safety includes ADA access
Building owners are responsible for keeping elevators accessible to all users. This means more than just meeting ADA requirements once. It means making sure those features stay functional over time.
Key accessibility elements include:
- Braille and raised character buttons
- Audible floor announcements
- Proper cab handrails and interior space for wheelchairs
- Low-force button actuation
- Consistent leveling for safe entry and exit
Failing to maintain these features puts your property at risk of both safety violations and accessibility lawsuits.
7. The Role of Staff Awareness and Reporting
Janitors, security, and tenants notice things first
While trained elevator technicians catch the technical problems, your building staff is often the first to spot changes in how the system performs. Loud noises, sluggish doors, and unresponsive buttons are early warnings of safety concerns.
Create a clear system for reporting elevator issues. Staff should know:
- Who to contact (maintenance team or Southern Elevator)
- What information to record (time, location, issue type)
- When to block off access to a malfunctioning elevator
This kind of communication helps address small problems before they turn into safety incidents.
When to Contact Southern Elevator
If your building hasn’t reviewed elevator safety systems in the last year, or if you’ve received complaints or maintenance flags, it’s time to act.
Southern Elevator works with property managers throughout the Southeast to:
- Diagnose safety issues in aging equipment
- Perform scheduled maintenance and safety checks
- Plan modernization that meets both budget and compliance needs
- Support ADA requirements and emergency system functionality
We don’t perform inspections or installations, but we keep your elevators running smoothly, code-ready, and rider-safe.
Make Elevator Safety a 2026 Priority
Safety isn’t just a line item. It’s the difference between a routine ride and a real problem. Commercial buildings that invest in proactive elevator safety not only reduce risk, but also build trust with tenants, protect their property, and keep daily operations on track.
Southern Elevator brings more than 70 years of experience to commercial buildings across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. From monthly maintenance to full system upgrades, we help you stay ready for whatever this year brings.
Contact Southern Elevator today to schedule a service check or discuss your 2026 elevator safety goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common elevator safety issues in commercial buildings?
Poor leveling, malfunctioning doors, and outdated emergency communication systems are top safety concerns.
How often should elevator systems be inspected?
Elevators in commercial buildings should be inspected by a licensed technician at least monthly, with more frequent checks for high-traffic properties.
Do older elevators automatically fail safety codes?
Not necessarily. But many older systems lack modern safety features. A professional service provider can assess and recommend necessary updates.
Can modernization help improve elevator safety?
Yes. Safety upgrades often go hand-in-hand with modernization projects, especially for doors, control systems, and emergency response features.
What role does Southern Elevator play in elevator safety?
Southern Elevator handles ongoing maintenance, repair, and modernization to help building owners keep elevator systems safe, compliant, and reliable.
