User Behaviour is the Leading Cause of Escalator-Related Injuries
We have more than 6000 registered escalators in Singapore and we use them all the time. However, it is worrying to know that KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital has reported an upward trend of children sustaining injuries related to escalator use in recent years². In fact, the number of escalator-related injuries among children has doubled between 2012 and 2016, and continues to rise. That begs the question – why?
From the above quiz, you would have learnt that the vast majority of escalator related injuries are not caused by mechanical or technical faults. In fact, the Straits Times reported that “92% of escalator incidents are caused by user behaviour¹.”
User behaviour involves both adults and children. Accidents caused by user behaviour, particularly adult user behaviour, are largely preventable.
So let’s identify dangerous user behaviour in order to minimise the occurrence of such accidents.
User behaviour that causes escalator-related injuries includes not holding the handrail, using mobile phones, not standing within the yellow lines and using strollers on the escalator. People often don’t think too much about using the escalator, and even like to multitask while on it. When on an escalator, staying focused and vigilant is important, especially when you have children in tow.
Apart from checking your own behaviour, do also look out for your children’s behaviour. Curious as they are known to be, children have a tendency to lean over the escalator if something catches their eye. Furthermore, they are often playful and in a split second may yank their hand out of yours and run or jump. Yes, they can and will completely disregard the fact that they are on an escalator. Understanding children’s behaviour will help you to anticipate their actions and hopefully prevent danger!
Why Strollers Don’t Belong on the Escalator
When it comes to strollers, people often overlook the dangers associated with using them on escalators because everyone seems to be doing it. It also seems more convenient than taking the elevator. It’s understandable given that you might have to make a round, or wait to get into the elevator.
But the dangers of using a stroller on the escalator outweigh the convenience.
Firstly, when you are using a stroller or pram, or even just carrying heavy items, your hands are full and you won’t be able to hold the handrail. Not holding the handrail means that you are more likely to lose balance and fall.
Madam Lee, a Singaporean homemaker, went through a harrowing experience in which her four-year-old narrowly escaped injury. Her child was in the stroller as she got on the escalator. Madam Lee recounts how she miscalculated the weight of the stroller with her bags on it. She also had a younger child in a carrier at that time². Thankfully, she managed to push her stroller back up and averted the danger.
Furthermore, wheels of prams can cause a wedge between two escalator steps, causing the steps to be dislodged as they are unable to transit from an incline to flat step. This results in a crash, which puts you, your child, and any others on the escalator at great risk of injury.
The Risk is Real!
As we mentioned, the number of escalator-related incidents have been increasing over the years. Not everyone is as lucky as Madam Lee. About 10,000 trauma cases seen in KKH are attributed to escalator-related injuries.
Injuries range from abrasions to bruises, open wounds, fractures, dislocations and head injuries. Head injuries are most common amongst infants and the most serious complication that can result from it is bleeding in the brain – “this can result in permanent disability and even death,” cautions Dr. Chong Shu-Ling, staff physician at KKH’s department of emergency medicine².
The Challenge is Just as Real
As risky as it is, people still choose to take strollers on the escalator. Many cite convenience as their main reason. In spite of her near miss, Madam Lee stated that she might still use a stroller on the escalator, especially during peak hours when the wait for the elevator is really long. Likewise, Designer Johan Hamzah states that it’s almost impossible to get into elevators in shopping malls and so he continues to get onto the escalator with his three-year-old in her stroller².
A major challenge is getting past this mindset. Safety should always be the utmost concern and priority of any parent.
Tips for Escalator Safety
To minimise the number of escalator-related incidents, there are some simple steps that everyone can take. Firstly, we should always be mindful of shoes, shoelaces, and dresses and take extra precaution to keep them away from the escalator steps. This is to prevent entrapment. If these items get stuck, pulling them out can cause the step to be lifted at the flat step area. This can result in the steps crashing.
In addition, we should always try to use the elevator when taking children out. To make this possible, those who do not need the lift should try to use escalators in order to make way for the elderly and those with young children. If there were less crowds and shorter waiting times, people may be less resistant to taking the elevator.
Mums and dads, we hope that we have given you a better understanding of dangers surrounding the use of escalators, especially with young children. Never underestimate the importance of being vigilant and taking steps to protect your child.
For more tips, visit the Otis Elevator Company website or watch the short clip below. Stay safe and enjoy your time out with your children!
References:
- www.straitstimes.com/singapore/92-of-escalator-incidents-caused-by-user-behaviour-bca
- www.todayonline.com/singapore/avoiding-perils-escalator-ride