“Prince Khaled has instructed to implement the resolutions as early as possible,” Arbaeen said.

The workshop, held recently with the participation of several experts including engineers and academics, discussed the reasons behind elevator-related accidents across the country.

The workshop identified the main reasons for such accidents as a lack of proper maintenance, elevator companies not fulfilling contract terms and conditions, use of unsafe counterfeit spare parts, lack of qualified maintenance workers and misuse of elevators.

Arbaeen commended the participation of Um Al-Qura University, Saudi Standards of Organization (SASO), Makkah municipality, Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of companies supplying elevators in the workshop.

The recommendations included the need for holding specialized courses on safe use of elevators and electric escalators, classification of companies supplying elevators in accordance with their performance, and introduction of courses on installation and maintenance of elevators at technical colleges.

The workshop also called for the revision of bylaws to be followed by inspectors, and unification of contracts for the installation and maintenance of elevators.

The Civil Defense has been asked to make sure that the elevators at new buildings comply with the required standards and specifications. All companies supplying elevators should be linked with a centralized control center, another recommendation said.

The workshop also called for enhancing public awareness about possible dangers related to elevators in order to encourage people to be cautious while using the facility to ensure their safety and security.