SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
“THERE ARE MORE THAN 100,000
ACCIDENTS EVERY YEAR ON STAIRS IN THE
WORKPLACE.” TREAD CAREFULLY Hannah Mansell, Technical Manager of the BWF Stair Scheme
discusses the importance of awareness when descending and ascending stairs in the workplace.
I promise you this is not a lesson in how to go up and down stairs. But there are plenty of employers who do, or probably should, remind their building users of some common sense advice. Because stairs are not a benign architectural feature designed simply to make our buildings look nice as we navigate between floors. Staircases at work should be treated as a potential hazard and risk assessed accordingly.
It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 accidents every year on stairs in the workplace. According to the HSE, the industries most affected by stairway falls are the service industries, followed by manufacturing and construction. A third of reported fall accidents in the food and drink industry also occur on stairs.
Critically, the rules and regulations for the manufacture and installation of so-called ‘common stairs’ are different from stairs in our homes. A variety of factors need to be taken into consideration when designing stairs for commercial buildings such as fire safety, increased loadings and accessibility for all users.
Users of common stairs may have a wide variety of requirements in order for them to safely use the stair. In addition, they may not be familiar with the stair and there may be a higher volume of users to contend with. Tiny details and dimensional limitations within the design are critical to ensuring that the stair is safe for all, and compliant with relevant regulations.
At the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Stair Scheme, we have been working to raise awareness of the importance of stair safety. In February, we held the inaugural Stair Safety Day and I spent the afternoon discussing the need for greater awareness of stair safety on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show.
We put together some tips to ensure that employees stay safe when navigating stairs in the workplace:
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• Switch on the lights: Even the rarely used stairs at the back of your office, factory or warehouse should be well-lit. Don't navigate stairs in the dark.
• Tread carefully: Ensure you have sufficient foothold on each tread, use the widest side of a winder step and make sure that any footwear is appropriate.
• Avoid athletics: Don’t play, run or jump on the stairs, climb or slide on the handrail - go at a sensible speed and never try to take more than one step at a time.
• Identify and remove any trip hazards: Leaving or storing boxes, office furniture or other objects on staircases (or landings) is a common cause of accidents and can easily be avoided.
• Remember to hold tight: Use the handrail and whenever possible keep your other hand free.
• Stay alert: Don’t get distracted while using the stairs - best to check your phone only when you have completed this part of your journey.
These are easy ways that both employers and employees can reduce risks when using stairs. While it's not against any law to use stairs without holding onto a handrail, I do know of many employers who insist their workers use the handrail and make this part of their health and safety inductions.
A big part of safety is about behaviour, proper lighting, secure coverings and common sense. Good design of stairs and handrail systems and builders’ adherence to regulations also has an important part to play.
The BWF Stair Scheme was established in 2011 to raise awareness of timber stair standards, to accredit to high quality manufacturers and to improve safety. The scheme is the only accreditation and certification scheme of its kind in the UK.
www.bwfstairscheme.org.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
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