Ray Downs: Safety is a Unified Effort

Intro:
In this episode, we sit down with Ray Downs, a 35-year veteran of the elevator industry. Ray started with Otis in 1989 as Regional Manager of EH&S and retired from TEI as Senior Vice President of EH&S.  
Ray along with many dedicated safety professionals from the NEII and NAEC safety committees have just completed revising the Elevator Industries Field Employee’s Safety Handbook. Ray discusses the evolution of safety practices in the industry, including the development of the "9 Safety Absolutes" that have become an industry standard. His motto has always been “your family depends on you - to come home every night safely.”

Summary:
Ray Downs, a 35-year veteran in the elevator industry, discussed his career journey from General Motors to Otis Elevator and TEI Group. He highlighted the evolution of safety practices, including the development of the nine safety absolutes, which are now industry standards. Downs emphasized the importance of mentorship, continuous training, and adapting to new technologies. He noted the ongoing revision of the elevator field employee safety handbook to incorporate these absolutes. Downs also stressed the need for a unified safety program across the industry to ensure consistent safety standards and prevent accidents.