Who Are We?
In 1988, the National Association of Safety Authorities International (NAESA International) established a committee to investigate the possibility of forming a Foundation to educate the public, particularly children, on how to safely ride elevators, escalators and moving walks.
A group made up of inspectors, suppliers and contractors explored the task. The committee determined that in order to succeed, they would need the entire elevator industry involved.
The idea was presented to a Bridge Builders meeting at the next National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) convention. The Bridge Builders had been established some years earlier as an informal forum to bring together all of the industry’s associations to identify mutual problems and preclude duplication of efforts by the organizations. All of the major elevator manufacturing companies attended, as well as the President and Executive Director of all the national associations in the elevator industry.
The Founding Organizations
our mission
To promote public safety and prevent accidents by educating the public on the proper use of elevators and escalators.
Development of the Safe-T-Rider® Program
The founding organizations were the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII®), NAEC, NAESA International and Elevator World, the industry trade publication. Each organization committed to provide sufficient funds to establish the first program. In 1989, the Elevator/Escalator Safety Council was organized. The group researched the availability of government grants to help fund the program, engaged a noted specialist in children’s education for advice, and reviewed numerous programs directed toward changing children’s behavior, such as Smokey the Bear.
It took two years to develop the first program, Safe-T Rider, which consisted of an 8 1/2 minute video, teacher’s guide, poster, coloring books, certificates, tests, stickers and buttons. During the first year when the program was field tested, it also included a pre-test and a post-test to effectively evaluate the efficacy of the program. The buttons were discontinued as a cost saving measure. During these two years, the organization also became a full-fledged 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation so all contributions would be tax-deductible.
Since the introduction of Safe-T Rider and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, the program has been sent to over 6 million children, teachers and parents. Each year, the Foundation has been able to solicit sufficient donations to increase the number of school districts receiving Safe-T Rider. The materials are free of charge to any public or private school wishing to participate.
A SAFE RIDE - FOR SENIORS/ELDERLY
As our population gets older more and more will be using elevators escalators and moving walkways. The information shared in this handout is important. Ideal for any location where large populations of older adults live or visit, like nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities.