Hazard Communication

CPSC: 11,000 Escalator-Related Injuries in 2007

May 13, 2008

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 90 billion people ride an escalator each year, from which, approximately 11,000 related injuries occurred in 2007. The majority of these injuries are from falls, CPSC said, but 10 percent occur when hands, feet, or shoes are trapped in escalators.

The most common entrapment is to the foot. Soft-sided shoes are the most likely to get stuck and pose the possibility of injury. CPSC has reports of 77 entrapment incidents since January 2006, with about half resulting in injury. All but two of the incidents involved popular soft-sided flexible clogs and slides.

To prevent escalator injuries, CPSC offers these tips:

  • Make sure shoes are tied before getting on an escalator.
  • Stand in the center of the step and be sure to step off of the escalator at the end of your ride.
  • Always hold children's hands on escalators and do not permit children to sit or play on the steps.
  • Do not bring children onto escalators in strollers, walkers, or carts.
  • Always face forward and hold the handrail.
  • Avoid the sides of steps where entrapment can occur.
  • Learn where the emergency shutoff buttons are in case you need to stop the escalator.


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