Escalator Accidents in Past Three Years

23 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many escalator accidents have happened in the past three years that have not been due to user behaviour; and (b) whether there has been an improvement in escalator safety since the introduction of a stricter maintenance regime in November 2016.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Since the mandatory reporting of escalator incidents started on 1 November 2016, there have been 13 incidents due to technical faults (that is, not due to user behaviour).

As the tightened maintenance regime was only put in place in November 2016, we are still monitoring its effects. Improving escalator safety goes beyond having a robust maintenance regime. Everyone – the authorities, owners, escalator contractors, and the public – has a role to play. The Building and Construction Authority has been working with building owners and transport operators to raise public awareness on the safe use of escalators.

The public also has to exercise due care when using escalators. This includes safe practices like holding onto handrails and not leaning on the sides of the escalators. Users with prams or bulky items, as well as the elderly and the infirm, should also try to take lifts where possible.