How To Keep Kids Safe From Escalator Accidents

As parents, there are few things more terrifying than watching our children get hurt and being helpless to stop it. Case in point: escalator accidents, which we hear about every now and then.

The thought of children's feet, toes or fingers getting trapped in a moving staircase is an absolute nightmare. According to the Building and Construction Authority, about 9 per cent of escalator incidents involve young children's shoes or body parts getting trapped. The sobering part? The vast majority of such cases – about 97 per cent – arise from user behaviours. Meaning, there's much we can do to avoid escalator accidents, from choice of footwear to how we use and behave on escalators.

Here, we consulted two podiatrists for tips on how to avoid escalator accidents among young children, and what to do in the event of one. By heeding their professional advice and mindfully observing some simple safety precautions, we can help keep our kids safe and sound when riding on escalators.

Footwear plays a big part

“We’ve come across several cases where escalator accidents resulted in significant foot injuries, often due to improper footwear or underlying podiatric conditions. One notable case involved a young child wearing soft, flexible slip-on shoes that got caught between the escalator step and the side panel, Maggie Lee, principal podiatrist at Straits Podiatry shares. 

“The biggest takeaway from these experiences is that proper footwear is crucial when using escalators. Soft, flexible shoes without structure can easily become a hazard, especially for younger children, while poor foot stability from flat feet or other biomechanical issues can make stepping on and off escalators more challenging.

If a child struggles with balance or has an unusual walking pattern, it’s a good idea for parents to consult a podiatrist to assess their foot posture and stability before an injury happens,” says Maggie. 

Wearing the right shoe can make a huge difference in preventing accidents on the escalator. Maggie adds: “Loose or open-toed shoes such as sandals, slip-ons, or any soft, flexible footwear, can easily get caught between escalator steps or in the side panels. To reduce the risk of entrapment, children should always wear closed-toe shoes with a firm sole and a good grip. Shoelaces should always be securely tied before stepping onto the escalator, as loose laces can get pulled into the mechanism, creating a serious hazard.”

Choosing footwear: What to avoid

Georgina Callaghan-Tay, senior podiatrist at East Coast Podiatry explains: “Designs like Crocs, flip-flops, or soft foam clogs have a place and role to play in certain environments but when it comes to escalators, they are especially risky due to their flexible material and loose fit, which can easily get caught in escalator grooves.” Avoid shoes that are:

• Poorly fitting (e.g. too roomy or loose), which causes children to overcompensate in their walking pattern and swing out their feet and legs more
• Too large, because they increase the child’s chances of dragging or tripping
• Too small, because they can affect gait, stability, and balance 
• Bulky or have overly rounded toe boxes, because they are more likely to catch on escalator edges
• Made of soft, pliable materials (e.g. EVA foam), because they can be easily sucked into the escalator sides 
• Crocs, flip-flops, clogs, or any slip-on shoes without back support
• Shoes with thick soles, open toes, or decorative attachments that could snag

“Children’s feet are developing over time and, especially between the ages of 0 and 5, they need to be wearing supportive footwear – not flimsy footwear. I do not like slippers or Crocs-style shoes for small kids as they lead to unstable gait patterns. It is best to avoid such unsupportive shoes and sandals in the formative years.”

Choosing footwear: What to look for

“Brands like Stride Rite, Pablosky, Geox, Asics, New Balance and Bobux offer supportive, secure, and well-fitted options," says Georgina. Look for shoes labelled as ‘school’ or ‘athletic shoes’ rather than casual sandals or fashion footwear.” She recommends shoes that are:

• Well-fitted and not loose
• Close-toed to protect against entrapment or trauma
• Securely fastened (e.g. with Velcro, laces, or buckles) to keep the shoe firmly and snugly on the foot
• Firm-soled for enhanced stability and to encourage natural foot function
• Constructed with non-slip rubber outsoles for improved grip on metallic escalator surfaces 
• Low profile to reduce tripping hazard (e.g. no platform or thick soles) 
• Well-treaded with defined traction to prevent slipping

“Invest in well-fitted, structured shoes – these protect more than just posture; they can prevent accidents,” Georgina shares. She also advises parents to regularly check their child’s shoe fit since children outgrow shoes quickly. "Leave 1 to 1.5 thumbs’ width at the forefoot to allow room for movement and growth.”

Other safety tips

While the right footwear is essential, it is not the only factor in preventing escalator accidents. Georgina offers additional safety tips:

• Supervise closely: Always stay close and hold your child's hand when riding an escalator, especially if they are younger, and particularly in crowded malls and public transport settings.
• Stand still: Avoid letting your children sit, play, or drag their feet along the sides. Both feet should be firmly planted flat on the escalator step.
• Face forward: Make sure your child faces forward whenever they are on the escalator, instead of looking backwards or facing sideways. 
• Hold the handrail: If they are tall enough, show your child how to safely hold the handrail for better balance.
• Stand away from the edges: Many escalator accidents involve footwear getting stuck along the edges or sides, so standing in the middle is a good way to avoid getting caught.  
• Disembark safely: Teach your child to look at their feet before stepping on or off the escalator. Avoid jumping on or off the escalator.
• Check for loose shoelaces: Ensure that all laces, shoe straps and other items of clothing are fastened or kept clear of the escalator so that nothing is at risk of getting caught in the mechanism.
• Educate your child: Teach your children early and often about escalator safety, balance, and awareness. Engage them with role-play or videos that demonstrate safe vs. unsafe escalator behaviour. Also explain the reasons for wearing safe shoes and staying alert on an escalator. Explain that some shoes are “indoor only” and not suitable for travel or escalators.
• Set rules: Make rules such as “no running or jumping on escalators” and consistently reinforce them.
• Avoid using strollers on the escalator: Take the elevator instead if you have a stroller with you. 

What to do when an accident happens

Of course, even after we take all the right precautions, accidents (touch wood!) can still happen. Maggie points out: “Some of the most common paediatric foot injuries from escalators include toe and forefoot entrapment, where a child’s toes get caught in the moving steps or the side panels. If this occurs, immediate medical attention is necessary to assess for fractures or deep tissue injuries.

Cuts and scrapes from escalator accidents should also always be cleaned properly and monitored for signs of infection. If a wound is deep, it may require stitches or specialised wound care from a podiatrist. Additionally, if a child experiences ankle sprains, swelling, or persistent foot pain after a fall, a biomechanical assessment can help rule out fractures or soft tissue damage.”

This is what you should immediately do if your child gets stuck on an escalator:

• Stop the escalator: Sound a warning before pressing the emergency button immediately if you are near the escalator controls. The emergency stop button is usually a prominent red button located at the top and bottom of the escalator. You should acquaint your children with this button too, and explain how to press it in an emergency.
• Holler for help: Calling loudly for help will alert somebody nearby who can help press the emergency stop button (if you are unable to), and tip off mall staff or security to come to your assistance. Of course, shouting for help also alerts helpful onlookers to call 995 if needed.
• Stay put: As counterintuitive as this might sound, do not attempt to pull your child free if they are stuck, because doing so could cause further and more severe injury. Instead, restrict movement of the trapped body part and wait for trained medical professionals to arrive.
• Stay calm: Panic makes a bad situation even worse. Staying calm doesn’t just help you think clearly and respond more effectively – it will also help your child stay calm and reassured as well.
• Apply first aid: If there are any wounds or cuts, apply pressure using a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Keeping the wound clean will reduce any risk of infection. In cases of suspected fracture or deep laceration, consult a doctor or head to the A&E immediately.

Georgina adds: “Immobilisation (i.e. casts, splints) may be necessary for fractures, as well as podiatric follow-ups to assess the child’s gait and any long-term impact. For minor sprains and bruises, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol (i.e. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) during the first 24-48 hours. If the pain persists, try heat therapy instead of icing, but if it still doesn’t improve after that, I’d recommend seeing a podiatrist focused on paediatrics.”