This article could not be started better then quoting the writers at the Consumerist.com … “Crocs are both extremely popular and extremely good at gripping surfaces, which can become a problem when they are combined with small children and moving escalators.”
On May 13, 2008 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding the use of Crocs and other soft sided shoes and escalators.
According to the CPSC, an estimated 90 billion riders use an escalator. Although most of those rides are without incident, it is estimated that there were approximately 11,000 escalator related injuries in 2007. The majority of these injuries are from falls but 10 percent occur when hands, feet or shoes are trapped in escalators.
The most common entrapment is to the foot. Soft-sided shoes (Crocs) are the most likely to get stuck and pose the possibility of injury to the rider. CPSC is aware of 77 entrapment incidents since January 2006, with about half resulting in injury. All but two of the incidents involved popular soft-sided flexible clogs and slides.
Escalator Safety Tips from the CPSC
- 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.
Do I Have an Escalator Injury Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one have been injured in an escalator accident, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP is currently investigating all escalator injuries including injuries specifically regarding the use of soft sided shoes / clogs, like Crocs and the many generic versions of the same.
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