How to Prevent Stairway Accidents

Ensure that all stairwells conform to safety standards., Keep stairways clear to prevent accidents., Mark the edge of the steps a different color so as to avoid stairway accidents., Attach treads to the edges of your steps., Install handrails on...

11 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Ensure that all stairwells conform to safety standards.

    Research building code standards and any other legal requirements for stairwell designs.

    By following certain codes, you can avoid being responsible in the event that someone is injured falling down the stairs.
  2. Step 2: Keep stairways clear to prevent accidents.

    Don't pile items anywhere near a stairway. , Make sure that the paint does not wear out. , This will add a grip to them and help prevent accidents.

    Again, ensure that the treads are secure and not loose. , Select rails that are curved and smooth so that clothing and bag straps don't get caught on them causing stairwell injuries.

    Check that the handrails are not unsteady or detached from the wall. , If there is an odd step at the bottom of the stairwell or narrow steps, let people know.

    Post signage at that top and bottom of the stairwell that explains the oddity.

    Make sure that these signs are posted in a very visible spot.

    If you do have the means, get the oddity fixed.

    In some places having a sign may work against you if someone does have an accident.

    Find out what the law is in your area., Install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairway for both safety and convenience.

    Check periodically that the bulbs are all working. , Make sure that none of the steps are loose or rotting.

    If you have carpeting on the stairway, ensure that there are no pulls or openings that would cause someone to trip.

    Be proactive about correcting accident-causing issues. , Don't put cloth or carpet down at the top of stairs.

    Someone may trip and fall down the stairs and hurt themselves badly.

    Just dry the area.

    If you need to mark the area with a wet floor sign, make sure the sign is visible but not obstructing the path.

    Another option would be to treat the floor with a non-slippery coating. ,
  3. Step 3: Mark the edge of the steps a different color so as to avoid stairway accidents.

  4. Step 4: Attach treads to the edges of your steps.

  5. Step 5: Install handrails on both side of the stairway.

  6. Step 6: Post notices on oddly designed stairwells.

  7. Step 7: Make sure that the stairway is well lit during the day and the night.

  8. Step 8: Inspect the stairway regularly and make sure that it is maintained.

  9. Step 9: On rainy or snow days

  10. Step 10: make sure that the stairwells are dried off.

  11. Step 11: Make it a house rule to hold the handrail when using the stairs and make it natural to remind those who do who forget.

Detailed Guide

Research building code standards and any other legal requirements for stairwell designs.

By following certain codes, you can avoid being responsible in the event that someone is injured falling down the stairs.

Don't pile items anywhere near a stairway. , Make sure that the paint does not wear out. , This will add a grip to them and help prevent accidents.

Again, ensure that the treads are secure and not loose. , Select rails that are curved and smooth so that clothing and bag straps don't get caught on them causing stairwell injuries.

Check that the handrails are not unsteady or detached from the wall. , If there is an odd step at the bottom of the stairwell or narrow steps, let people know.

Post signage at that top and bottom of the stairwell that explains the oddity.

Make sure that these signs are posted in a very visible spot.

If you do have the means, get the oddity fixed.

In some places having a sign may work against you if someone does have an accident.

Find out what the law is in your area., Install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairway for both safety and convenience.

Check periodically that the bulbs are all working. , Make sure that none of the steps are loose or rotting.

If you have carpeting on the stairway, ensure that there are no pulls or openings that would cause someone to trip.

Be proactive about correcting accident-causing issues. , Don't put cloth or carpet down at the top of stairs.

Someone may trip and fall down the stairs and hurt themselves badly.

Just dry the area.

If you need to mark the area with a wet floor sign, make sure the sign is visible but not obstructing the path.

Another option would be to treat the floor with a non-slippery coating. ,

About the Author

R

Raymond Butler

Creates helpful guides on crafts to inspire and educate readers.

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