Video Data for Escalator Accidents

Abstract

Many videos of escalator accidents are available on social media, especially YouTube. A review of a large sample of such videos reveals information about some types of accidents not readily found or well described in hospital reports and behavioral observations. These include numerous deliberate misuse modes such as sliding or riding on handrails, as well as risky activity such as wearing clothes that can become entangled in the mechanism and traveling in the wrong direction, and various mechanical problems. Advantages and limitations of video data are discussed, along with suggestions for possible safety interventions.