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Severe Foot Injuries in Children Riding Escalators Wearing Clogs
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Posted on: 07/22/2010
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Department stores with escalators often have a sign posted that the escalator is not to be played on or ridden for fun when shopping. Safety is the store's first concern. Injuries can and do happen on escalators. These kinds of signs rarely keep children from taking a joy ride. And even when accompanied by an adult, severe fractures, cuts, and even traumatic toe amputations have been reported in children riding escalators.
In a recent report from Singapore, three-fourths of the children suffering severe foot injuries while riding an escalator were wearing rubber clogs on their feet. These colorful foot apparel look perfectly safe but the soft leather and lack of support on the sides can lead to serious foot injuries.
What happens to cause these injuries? The front of the clog is wide and gives the impression that the foot is well-protected. But children who don't pick the feet up to step off the escalator can get the clog stuck in the gap where the last step slides into the comb plate. The side of the clog can also get caught on to the metal side panel. Often the injury is made worse because the escalator keeps going until a store employee finally turns it off.
After examining the data collected from the 17 cases of escalator-related foot injuries, the authors found that gender (boys versus girls) wasn't as much of an issue as age. Younger children are at the greatest risk for these types of injuries. They have small feet that can slip into the comb plate. They tend to stand on the escalator right to the top without actually stepping off. And they fall down a lot, increasing the risk of an injury when the fall occurs while on the escalator.
For anyone who has ever walked holding the hand of a toddler or young child, you know that adult supervision can't always protect and prevent accidents. If the child falls at just the right moment, injuries can occur.
Many things have already been done to reduce these kinds of injuries. The manufacturers of rubber clogs have started a safety campaign called the Escalator Safety Awareness Initiative. Tags are attached to the clogs with safety information about escalators. Efforts are being made to improve the design and maintenance of escalators. Safety side plates are now part of newer escalator installations.
Store managers are advised to ensure safety inspections, routine escalator maintenance, and regular lubrication of moving parts. Parents are reminded to keep children away from the sides of the escalator, face forward, and always be aware of where the escalator emergency stop button is located.
Children should never be allowed to sit on the escalator steps (or stand facing backwards) when it is moving. Trying to walk down the up escalator and vice versa is to be strictly forbidden. Any child wearing clogs must be closely supervised.
Young children should be assisted at the top until they have developed the skills needed to step off safely. All of the unfortunate escalator-related injuries involving clogs have been preventable. Parents can help prevent loss of toes, fractures, and crush injuries by following these simple suggestions.
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References:
Kevin Boon Leong Lim, FRCS(Eng), FRCSEd(Orth), FAMS, et al. Escalators, Rubber Clogs, and Severe Foot Injuries in Children. In Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. July/August 2010. Vol. 30. No. 5. Pp. 414-419.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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