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And with 8 different colors plus a glow-in-the-dark option, each step will be easier to see when ascending or descending stairs – making it far safer than ordinary treads and nosing that may blend into the color of the steps. Stair safety at work should be a top priority for employers. 2nd ed. Other causes include safety hazards in the home or community environment. Common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. What You Can Do to Prevent Falls This illustrated lecture examines causes and prevention of workplace falls on stairs. So you might be wondering – what are the most common injuries from falling down stairs? + Note that handrails or guards used for exit stairs and exit ramps (as well as landings) must not be less than 107 cm*, unless the exterior stairs or landing is more than 10 m above the adjacent ground level, where by the guard must be not less than 150 cm*. A misstep on the stairs at home. Accidents can happen at any time and to anyone – so it’s vital that the right steps are taken to prevent this from happening. If you fall on one of these stairs, the property owner might be liable for sacrificing safety for beauty. Because stairway accidents can cause severe injury and even death, building codes for stairs and ramps are justifiably very rigorous. Because they can result in head injuries, serious falls are one of the most traumatic and devastating accidents a baby or child can have. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year. Wearing properly fitted shoes that … *E - Tread run: between 25.5 and 35.5 cm*. Contact us to let us know. Scientists have linked several personal risk factors to falling, including muscle weakness, problems with balance and gait, and blood pressure that drops too much when you get up from lying down or sitting (called postural hypotension). Slips occur due to loss of balance or contacting an object or obstruction: false. Created with aircraft-grade aluminum and an abrasive particle compound, these heavy duty treats are suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Unfortunately, now you know what can happen when a staircase defect causes you to lose your balance and fall. Stair tread & step construction or maintenance mistakes can create a wide range of serious stair fall hazards. Falls can be dangerous at any age. Photographs of stair and step defects illustrate a wide range of causes of falling down the stairs - stair trip and fall hazards and injury sources Worn, Loose, Damaged Steps & Stair Fall Hazards. ©2020 Amstep Products, All Rights Reserved, Site created by Thomas Marketing Services Powered by Navigator Platform, Ensure that you’re staying alert when you’re on the stairs (e.g not being distracted while using them), Walk slowly up the stairs (avoid running or skipping steps). This is often due to the stairs being contaminated with water or food product, or the use of inappropriate footwear. Stairway Injuries and Premises Liability Law How can we make our services more useful for you? A member has reported an increase in the number of reported incidents involving gangways and stairs. * Values are from the National Building Code of Canada (2015). The circumstances of stairway falls often include engagement in risky behaviors, such as using stairs laden with objects, carrying items on stairs, using stairs in stocking feet, and not using a handrail; video analysis suggests 41% of stair accidents coincide with distracted attention, lateral movement, change in handrail use, or reaction to others . At Amstep, we have several products to choose from, ranging in color, size and application – giving you freedom to select which one suits your requirements best. Spills, wet spots, or any debris should be immediately cleaned up. Handrails must be âgraspableâ. Of course, this will depend on how extreme the injury is, but it’s good to know the type of medical attention you might face if an accident does occur. An icy patch on the road. Showcasing just how dangerous stairs can be in every environment, it indicates the importance of following the correct practices. Steeper stairs change the way you climb them because the steeper they are the more effort you exert. Whether this is caused by stairway construction or a particular defect (i.e uneven tread or a missing banister) will depend on the staircase in question. Additionally, few men wear high heels which are thought to contribute to stairway falls. (See Figures 2 and 3), From: Kodak's Ergonomic Design for People at Work. Falls can cause hip fractures and other injuries that require lengthy hospital care and long-term effects. Be very cautious on stairs if you are wearing bifocal glasses. Stairways are one of the most frequent places for falls to occur, yet there is little literature available about stairway falls, or more importantly, how to prevent them. Required fields are marked *. We hope this guide has helped to show you the most common injuries that can happen as a result of falling down stairs, what the legislation states, how to recover from a fall and most importantly, and how to prevent this type of injury from occurring. You may also be interested in the following related products and services from CCOHS: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent The depth of any landing should be at least equal to the width of the stairs. Rain, snow, or ice collecting on outdoor stairs increases the risk of accidents. If you fall on one of these stairs, the property owner might be liable for sacrificing safety for beauty. The causes of why workers fall on or from stairs are often overlooked. For older adults, falls can be especially serious. A third of reported fall accidents occur on stairs. The fact is that some incidents can be caused by inattention, unsafe behaviour, and inappropriate footwear. Babies and young children can get hurt falling off furniture or down the stairs. The vast majority of stairway falls result from a loss of balance, just as falls are on the level. Slippery surfaces: This is one of the most often cited reasons why people slip and fall on stairways. © Copyright 1997-2020 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Document last updated on September 12, 2017. This safety flash serves to raise awareness and to highlight the serious incidents involving slips, trips and falls on gangways and stairs … Interestingly, many believe that it’s only older individuals that primarily fall down the stairs. Stairs located on the property of stores, restaurants, movie theaters, apartment buildings, and other locations may have significant safety defects that can cause dangerous falls. While using stairs is a part of our normal routine and rarely viewed as a hazardous endeavor, one misstep can take away a person’s health and independence, especially those who are older and already frail. Broken stairs are among the most serious causes of a slip or fall on stairs, and can occur in a few different ways. Whether at work, at home or out in public, falling down the stairs is a significant worry for many people. A 38-year-old man slips at home while rushing down hardwood stairs wearing socks and falls hard onto the stairs injuring his back. Stairs of all types have been used since ancient times, and because they are inherently hazardous, people have been falling on them, getting hurt or even killed in the process. This fact sheet describes the common causes of falls on stairs and provides many strategies to help prevent them. What to do if you fall. All of the above injuries mentioned are incredibly significant – leading the person to seek medical treatment in most cases. For example, you could fall forwards leading to you applying your weight to your arm or you could fall backwards, resulting in you hitting your head on the above steps with force. Stair accident statistics are some of the highest injuries listed each year – both in the USA and abroad. The following are some safety recommendations: Stair treads should be used to ensure that stair surfaces are anti-slip; With a range of color options available and options such as Glowline and Sightline, safety isn’t the only benefit you can reap from installing them. Personal factors which make an individual more likely to fall on their stairs include: - Decreased balance - Disturbed gait - Illness - Impaired vision Difficulties involving judgment of distance and depth perception are particularly important. Fortunately, slip and fall accidents on stairs are preventable. Phone: 800-457-0869 | Fax: 860-589-9081 | Email: sales@amstep.com, ©2020 Amstep Products, All Rights ReservedSite created by Thomas Marketing Services Powered by Navigator Platform. In a 2017 study written in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, it was found that every year, there is an average of over one million injuries that come as a result of falling down the stairs. Striving to make your home or workplace a safer environment for everyone, these stair treads are fitted on the area of the staircase where your foot will make contact. Make sure to keep the necessary horizontal and vertical clearances in the guards to prevent the risk of young children falling through and to not facilitate climbing. The majority of stairway accidents are caused by a loss of balance. Inner Ear Issues. ON STEPS OR STAIRS? Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to fall. ... non-skid footwear or attempt to navigate stairs, they put themselves at greater risk. OSHA regulations should be adhered to across all types of work environments – from industrial buildings to recreational facilities and marine buildings – and utilized in conjunction with any other building codes and stair compliance that may apply. Most falls can be prevented through good planning and recognition of the health, environmental and behavioural contributors to falls. Good design can substantially reduce the potential for mis-stepping by providing us with the means to retrieve our balance, but even the best design cannot eliminate falling hazards entirely. Read our advice on how to spot common hazards on stairs and stairways, as well as tips on how to reduce the risk of falls on the stairs. (© 2004 CMHC, Revised 2016) Please see our OSH Answers document on Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls. The medical treatment suggested by your physician could include a hospital procedure, emergency care, long-term rehabilitative therapy or home help – in the most severe cases. These typically include the following: The severity of the injury will, of course, also depend on the type of staircase that’s involved (e.g whether it’s carpeted or not) and the way in which you fell. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF FALLING . The fact is that some incidents can be caused by inattention, unsafe behaviour, and inappropriate footwear. The riser is the part of the stairs that goes up vertically, while the run is the horizontal part of … Broken stairs somewhere along the staircase or a piece missing on them are also common causes of dogs falling down the stairs. Alternatively, you could use Amstep stair nosing. 190 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010 Topics include stairway design, lighting, maintenance, housekeeping, slick substances, and fall-prone activities. Rain, snow, or ice collecting on outdoor stairs increases the … Common causes of stairway falls. If you’re looking for invaluable guidance around how stair related accidents occur, where they can occur, common injuries related to it, how to recover and how to improve safety, read on to find out more. Stair tread & step construction or maintenance mistakes can create a wide range of serious stair fall hazards. As an accident that can result in life-changing injuries, it’s important to know how you can prevent these from happening as soon as possible. 2. Most falls do not result in serious injury. They are at higher risk of falling. So limit this risk as much as you possibly can. When doors open directly into the stairwell, a 50 cm-wide platform should be provided beyond the swing of the door. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Sometimes, liquids spilled on stairs and not mopped up right away may cause individuals to lose their footing on stairs. Well as in a work environment, it ’ s only older individuals that fall! Are incredibly significant – leading the person to seek medical treatment in cases..., independence and confidence soft-tissue damage and broken bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue,! Amstep stair treads are designed to minimize the risk of accidents moss, slime or fallen leaves outdoor... 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