Health and safety stairs regulations has been necessary due to numerous accident that have been recorded on stairways.
This article will cover Health and safety stairs regulations by OSHA which gives standard requirement for a safe stairway ans basic stairs safety tips.
Falls On Stairs Statistics
Consider these statistics from the National Safety Council.
- Over 1 Million injuries occur each year as the result of stairway falls.
- Staircase and stairway accidents constitute the second leading cause of accidental injury, second only to motor vehicle accidents.
- Each year, there are 12,000 stairway accident deaths.
Statistics also shows that many of these falls are caused by various types of negligence.
- Defects in the stairs, stairwell or stairway
- Improper or inferior lighting
- Dangerous stair risers
- Damaged or faulty steps
- Or defective railings or handrails.
Read Also: Prevention of slips trips and falls in the workplace
Stairs should be in safe condition and be of suitable design and dimensions for their use.
Things that should be considered are:
- Are they well lit;
- Have handrails at an appropriate height that contrasts with the surroundings;
- Does it have good slip resistance properties, particularly at the leading edge;
- Does it have clearly marked edges;
- Are they free from trip hazards or obstacles.
Basic Stairs Safety Rules
- Hold on to the handrail.
- Make sure your stairs are up to code.
- Keep your stairs clear of clutter.
- Do not polish or wax your staircase.
- Make sure your staircase is well lit.
- Install strong safety gates for babies and young kids.
- Consider carpeting your stairs.
- Provide assistance to the elderly and disabled, etc.
Reference documents
Safer Work Stairs and Steps – Health and safety authority
Read Also: 13 Types of accidents in the workplace
