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Friday 29 March 2024
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Key Ways to Keep Your Business’ Staircase Safe

Key Ways to Keep Your Business’ Staircase Safe

Anyone who tumbles down the stairs may acquire bruises, bumps, and other personal injuries. In some cases, the results are more serious. No one wants to have broken bones, concussions, or even death in the workplace just because the business’ staircase was unsafe.

Employers are and should be aware of their responsibility in providing safety for employees. Making sure that the staircase is safe does not really require much work from your end. The following are five key ways to keep your business’ staircase safe.

  • Proper Lighting

The first step to a safe business staircase is providing proper lighting. If no one is able to see where they are going, then they will most likely tumble and fall.

  • Same illumination with hallways: Staircases should not have lower levels of watts compared to adjacent areas. Make sure that the lights over your staircases have similar watts as the surrounding hallways.
  • Utilize low-glare overhead lighting: This prevents strong shadows and makes tread nosings plainly visible. Make sure to install light switches at the bottom and top of stairs to avoid traversing an unlit staircase. Also, position night lights in landings and hallways.
  • Walk Carefully

Employees should walk with caution and be aware of surroundings.

  • Colored staircases: Make sure to walk carefully especially if your staircase has contrasting colors, or distracting patterns.
  • Carpeted stairs: If your staircase is carpeted, make sure that tread coverings are thin and tightly attached. Avoid soft treads especially those short ones with big rounded nosing.
  • Wood, concrete, or tiled stairs: Apply something on the surface to add traction for stairs made of wood, tile, or concrete. Try utilizing non-skid tape.
  • Check condition of staircases: Cracks, uneven steps, protruding nails, and bunched-up stair coverings must be repaired as soon as possible.
  • Use Handrails

Handrails on staircases significantly reduce the chances of falls. Lack of handrails, or improperly installed handrails can cause stairway falls. Handrails not only reduce work accidents, but also serve to regulate the distance down the stairs when someone falls. Take note of the following guidelines:

  • Install practical handrails on each side of the stairs
  • They should extend beyond the overall length of the staircase
  • Secure handrails to posts and walls with secured handrail brackets. They should carry the weight of any adult without damaging the handrail, wall or post.

  • Remove Tripping Hazards

Be mindful of any items or any major tripping hazards around staircases. Be wary of the following:

  • Keep the pathways open by rearranging or removing furniture near or on landings
  • Remove area rugs on top of staircases
  • Utilize wire staples or tape to attach electrical cords along the staircase baseboards
  • Avoid storing any items on the stairs and avoid excessive amounts of decor that can increase risk of falls.
  • Encourage Safety

Most importantly, encourage everyone to practice safety in the workplace. One way to do this by posting signage that instructs everyone how to use the stairs safely.

Most slip and fall injuries on staircases can be prevented. That prevention begins by acknowledging the risks when using staircases. Furthermore, it is crucial to implement strategies, maintain staircases, and walk with caution. Meanwhile, seek legal advice for any accidents due to stair collapse.

Timothy Garret

Timothy is a budding law writer who enjoys reading about the current happenings in the legal field. He’s currently applying his law knowledge into his works, which he hopes can be beneficial to his readers. He spends time with his friends and swimming in his spare time.