Escalating Risk?

Could your shoes increase your risk of injury on an escalator?

© iStockPhoto.com/Gr8fuldad

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, soft-sided shoes such as flip-flops were the most common type of shoe to get trapped in escalators last year, causing injuries in some cases.

The federal agency recommends following these steps to protect you and your family from escalator injuries:

• Make sure shoes are tied before getting on an escalator.
• Stand in the center of the step and be sure to step off of the escalator at the end of your ride.
• 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 sides of steps where entrapment can occur.
• Learn where the emergency shutoff buttons are in case you need to stop the escalator.