Annual Probability of Elevator or Escalator Injury

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports approximately 17,000 injuries and about 30 deaths from elevators and escalators in the United States each year. Given that Americans take about 18 billion elevator trips and 10 billion escalator trips per year, the injury rate is extremely low relative to usage.

Elevator-related injuries most commonly involve getting caught in closing doors, trips and falls at threshold gaps (the space between the elevator and the floor), and entrapment during malfunctions. Elevator deaths most commonly result from falls into open shafts (often during maintenance or construction) rather than equipment failure. About 50% of elevator deaths involve workers rather than passengers.

Escalator injuries most commonly involve falls (especially among elderly users), entrapment of clothing, footwear, or fingers in the mechanism, and impact with other riders. Children's footwear (particularly rubber clogs and sandals) is a significant entrapment risk. Safety measures include standing to the right, holding handrails, keeping feet clear of edges, tying shoelaces, and supervising young children. Modern safety codes require door sensors, emergency communications, and regular inspections.