THE recent incident of a 2-year-old child’s fingers getting stuck in an escalator comb plate highlights an ongoing problem.
This is the third incident involving escalators this year. Over the past seven years, there have been at least 35 reports of escalator-related injuries. Ninety-seven per cent of the victims were kids, with half of them aged 2 to 4.
The Clinical Research Centre (Perak) conducted a study on escalator safety among children aged below 5 in November last year. Researchers randomly selected 258 parent-child pairs at six shopping malls in Kinta and observed their behaviour.
A checklist of 15 unsafe behaviours was constructed from accredited escalator guidelines in five countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
The study showed that 149 (57.8 per cent) children and 162 (63.8 per cent) parents demonstrated at least one unsafe behaviour. Twenty-six per cent of parents and 17 per cent of children exhibited three or more. Four of the children used escalators unattended.
It is important that we create a national awareness programme on escalator safety.
Suggestions for safe escalator use are:
USE the elevator when you are accompanying more than one child aged below 5;
ALWAYS hold your child’s hand when using an escalator. Adults should hold the handrail;
BE extra cautious of your child’s wellbeing and safety, and avoid distractions. Do not use a mobile device. Focus on your child’s behaviour and activity;
NEVER use a stroller, baby carriage or trolley on the escalator;
BE aware of and avoid loose or dangerous clothes, for example, soft rubber shoes, long trouser bottoms or long skirts;
DO not allow your child to play, run or sit on or near the escalator; and,
DO not allow your child to face or travel in the opposite direction of the escalator.
DATUK DR AMAR SINGH HSS, CHEW CHII CHII AND HASNI ADHA IBRAHIM, Clinical Research Centre, Perak.