According to the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, there were 163 escalator-related accidents between 2013 and 2016, with four fatalities and 209 serious injuries. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Recent government data has revealed that accidents involving slipping and falling on escalators tend to happen more frequently when it rains.
According to the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, there were 163 escalator-related accidents between 2013 and 2016, with four fatalities and 209 serious injuries.
Among the incidents, there were 126 reported cases of individuals slipping and falling, accounting for 77.3 percent of the total, with 36 cases (28.5 percent) occurring on rainy days.
There were also 30 reported cases of shoes or clothes becoming caught between escalator stairs, accounting for 18.4 percent.
As for the location of the accidents, large retail facilities such as department stores led the way with 112 cases (68.7 percent), followed by underground subway stations with 41 cases (25.2 percent) and neighborhood living facilities such as hospitals with five cases (3 percent).
There were also 30 reported cases of shoes or clothes becoming caught between escalator stairs, accounting for 18.4 percent. (Image: Yonhap)
In terms of age, those over 61 years old and children younger than 12 years old accounted for 74 and 22 cases, respectively.
In order to use an escalator in a safe manner, it is important to adhere to safety guidelines, including no running or walking, standing inside the yellow lines and holding the handrail, ensuring that the old and infirm are accompanied by guardians, and holding babies or pets in one’s arms, said the Ministry of Administration and Security.
Using a smartphone while riding an escalator or on a moving walkway should also be abstained from so that individuals can pay more attention to their surroundings, added a ministry official.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
