Slips, Trips and Falls

Million people are treated for fall related injuries all over the world. These happen because of sudden slips and falls that are fatal as well as non-fatal. Due to these falls and slips the employees either are permanently disabled or die before their age of retirement.

Types of Falls

These are of two types:
1. Elevated falls
2. Same-level falls

Same level falls are quite frequent as compared to elevated falls, which can be severe.
Slip Trip and Falls
Riser and Tread Design

Research shows that the stair users view only the first and the last three steps during stairway usage, the rest of the stairway is not even noticed. Therefore, the design of the top three and bottom three steps is of great importance. Since most of the injuries are caused in this area.

Stairway Visibility

Poor visibility of raisers and treads leads to misreading the stair edge, due to which faulty foot placement occurs and leads to slips and injuries. Thus to increase visibility visual contrast on the tread nosing should be installed so that people don’t trip and slip due to poor visibility.

Stair Rails and Handrails

Stair rails protect the pedestrians from falling off the edge of the stairway. And handrails help them to keep their balance and also provide leverage while going up or down the stairs.

Adequate Lighting

Adequate lighting also helps the risers and the treads to see the staircase and this reduces the chance of trips and slips.

Short Stairways

It is feasible to have short stairways since people do not notice the stairway when they approach from the lower level. The failure to see the presence of low stairs also contributes to the falling or slips and trips. Thus the stairway should be remodeled into a ramp. The stairs should be visually contrasted.

Maintenance and Use

Most of the stairway accidents occur die to poor maintenance of the stairs. Keep the stairs clean and all the wear and tear should be repaired in time. Do not use the stairs for storing unused objects. Never carry more items in hands during stair usage, and finally do not rush up and down the staircase.
These precautions help to avoid many accidents and injuries that are caused by the slipping and tripping from stairways at our homes or the workplace.