At some point or other, we have all taken escalators. Whether in malls, offices, or other tall buildings, these moving staircases have made our lives oh-so-easy.
Unfortunately, accidents always happen when something mechanical is involved, and escalators are no exception.
There has been a climb in incidents involving escalators over the past years, with some victims suffering from rather gory injuries and even death.
According to The Sun Daily, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) recorded 85 accidents and six deaths due to lift and escalator accidents from 2012 to 2018.
Photo: Mohd Firdaus Rodzi
Most recently, a 3-year-old boy got his hand caught in inside an escalator handrail. The incident, which happened at GM Klang Wholesale City, Klang, was recorded on CCTV. Footage showed the mother holding the boy’s right hand but he can be seen playing with the handrail using his other hand. It then got stuck in the point of entry of the escalator handrail. Click here to watch the video.
Many offered their help, using various tools to free him. The boy was rushed to the Klang General Hospital and was found to only have minor injuries from the incident.
Selangor's Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP) performed a check on the escalator and said that it was in proper working condition.
While proper maintenance and checks are necessary to ensure the machines are in good working order, negligence and discipline are also crucial factors to look at, especially when it comes to incidents involving children.
Have you ever had a close call with an escalator before?
By: Celestine Foo
