KARACHI: Recently, a video was circulating on social media platforms regarding the faulty escalator at Ocean Mall, Karachi, which can be a serious health hazard.
The video clearly depicts that the escalator, typically moving downwards, has a dislocated step. This poses as a serious danger for those that might use the escalator to move to a lower floor.
Nowadays, escalators are a common way for people to travel between floors in buildings easily. They can be found in various public places, including shopping centres, medical facilities, transportation hubs, hospitality establishments, and residential communities. Most people who use an escalator do so without considering their safety. However, if escalators are not working correctly or are not maintained, they might cause accidents, including falls.
Serious accidents, such as cuts, amputated limbs, fractured bones, and concussions, can result from faulty escalators.
In an escalator accident, the building owner may be held accountable for violations of safety codes. Property owners must keep escalators in good working order as part of their responsibility to ensure a safe environment for their guests. It is their responsibility to schedule regular escalator inspections and rectify any safety issues found at once.