Escalator injuries in Genevan children: a report of 6 cases

We present a retrospective survey of the mechanism and the lesions caused by escalators in Genevan children. Though these accidents are rare, they are often very serious. They occur primarily among children around the age of three and affect especially the hand. It is not economically feasible to replace or modify current escalators. It is therefore important that the current warning signs on escalators be improved. As there is a specific risk to children of catching fingers in the escalator and most parents are unaware of this type of danger, a warning sign with an explicit illustration could be of value. Also an insertion of a plastic bar just above the moving stairs on each lateral wall would block any potential extremities from being caught in the gap between the steps and the side of the staircase.