Owners of all commercial buildings especially shopping complexes should be aware of the safety aspect of all escalators provided.

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye stressed this would in turn reduce the risks of accidents from happening.

Lee said shopping complex managements are responsible in ensuring escalator maintenance is carried out periodically.

“Building owners should display signboards containing safety information when using the escalator.

“Signboards which displays safe ways of using the escalator should be placed at areas which can be seen clearly by the public,” said Lee in an exclusive interview with Astro AWANI.

Lee stressed, the technical aspects of all escalators in commercial buildings should also be inspected frequently especially during school holidays.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act or OSHA Act 1994, it is the responsibility of employers or building owners to ensure the welfare and a safe working condition.

“I hope with this legal aspect, all building owners will be responsible in ensuring the safety of the escalators and lifts in the buildings,” he said.

Apart from building owners parents are also advised to always accompany their children when in shopping complexes.

READ: Be alert when children wearing soft rubber shoes ride escalators - DOSH

“Malaysians especially parents do not want to see any more accidents involving escalators and children.

“Action should be taken to prevent such incident from taking place,” said Lee.

Earlier, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP) informed that it had received 31 accident cases caused by escalators since 2011 until May 2015.