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Elevators & Escalators

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Incidents involving elevators and escalators kill about 30 and seriously injure about 17,100 people each year in the United States, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Injuries to people working on or near elevators – including those installing, repairing, and maintaining elevators, and working in or near elevator shafts – account for 14- 15 (almost half) of the deaths. The two major causes of death are falls and being caught in/between moving parts of elevators/escalators. Incidents where workers are in or on elevators or platforms that collapse, are struck by elevators or counterweights, or are electrocuted are also numerous.

Some steps to help prevent escalator injuries:

• Be aware that loose shoe laces, drawstrings, scarves, and mittens can get trapped in escalators.
• 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 edges of steps where entrapment can occur.
• Learn where the emergency shutoff buttons are in case you need to stop the escalator.