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Slips and trips - Stairs and steps

A fall on stairs, particularly in descent, often leads to serious injury or even death. The person who falls on the stairs is often blamed for their accident, perhaps due to their inattention or rushing. Research tells us that the way the stairs are built can make a big difference to the risk of an accident. There are simple and inexpensive things that can be done to make existing stairs safer. Providing good handrails and visible highlights on the treads are things to prioritize. The size of the steps and the consistency of the stair dimensions are also important.
Document type: Risk Standards & Guidance
Last updated: 26 April 2024
First published: 26 April 2024
View Document (PDF 197KB)