Escalator injuries

A series of 50 patients suffering injuries from falls on escalators attended our accident and emergency department. Of these, 8 (16 per cent) required admission. Alcohol was a factor in 11/15 (74 per cent) of men but in only 2/34 (6 per cent) of women. Of the injuries, 32 (64 per cent) were associated with the practice of walking on the escalator, while only 12 (24 per cent) were associated with stepping onto or off the escalator. Discouraging the practice of walking on one side of the escalator might help to minimize injuries.