So you might be wondering – what are the most common injuries from falling down stairs? Falls can cause hip fractures and other injuries that require lengthy hospital care and long-term effects. Falls prevention efforts are … Some stairs are made of tile or highly polished wood that is more slippery than stone, carpet, or painted wood. To reduce the risk of slipping on stairs, non-slippery surface on the whole steps or at least on the leading edges is crucial. A hard impact to the head can cause coma, hemorrhages or swelling in the brain, amnesia, and more. - Medication side effects - Reduced strength Therefore, as well as making physical changes to your staircase to ensure that it’s safer overall, it’s critical that you follow the right safety practices when you use it. 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. After this type of injury, there may be long-term issues with mobility, memory, cognition, and behavior that require long-term rehabilitation. However, because the majority of people prefer a slope of 30º-35º, this is the recommended range. 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. Slips occur due to loss of balance or contacting an object or obstruction: false. *E - Tread run: between 25.5 and 35.5 cm*. If you fall on one of these stairs, the property owner might be liable for sacrificing safety for beauty. 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. Includes design suggestions for safe stairs and a glossary of terms. Accidents from falling down stairs can happen any time at home. Your email address will not be published. Over a million people are involved in falls every year, and over 12,000 die in stairway falls. Staying safe on the stairs. Causes of falls on stairs are: Both B and C. For portable ladder safety: Inspect ladder frequently. Topics include stairway design, lighting, maintenance, housekeeping, slick substances, and fall-prone activities. These detailed regulations lay out exact requirements that an employer should follow. If you have suffered in a fall down a stairway, staircase or stairwell, you need to contact an experienced Boston, Massachusetts stairway injury lawyer, at the Law Offices of William D. Kickham & Associates . Whether you’re anchoring concrete stair nosing or mounting over existing parts, we have products to fit your project’s needs. Reviewing falling down stairs injury statistics uncovers even scarier information: every year there is an average of 12,000 deaths as a result of a stairway accident. These typically include the following: Sprains and strains (32.3% according to the above study) Fractures (19.3%) – such as to … Don’t allow yourself and others to be at risk of injury because the safety of your stairway was compromised. As the second leading cause of accidental injury in the country, it’s a statistic that can’t be ignored. The following are some safety recommendations: Stair treads should be used to ensure that stair surfaces are anti-slip; 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. Amstep Products Good housekeeping is also vital to stair safety: For more information on Housekeeping see our OSH Answers documents: Workplace Housekeeping - Checklist for Workplace Housekeeping. Ensure workers do not stand on FLT forks, or pallets mounted on forks, to access heights as this is a regular cause of fatal injury. Attempts to design aesthetically pleasing stairways including handrails must not compromise functionality. When doors open directly into the stairwell, a 50 cm-wide platform should be provided beyond the swing of the door. © Copyright 1997-2020 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Document last updated on September 12, 2017. Contact us to let us know. A 38-year-old man slips at home while rushing down hardwood stairs wearing socks and falls hard onto the stairs injuring his back. Stair safety at work should be a top priority for employers. This is often due to the stairs being contaminated with water or food product, or the use of inappropriate footwear. And although every person might have a different injury as the result of a fall, there are several in particular that are more prevalent than others. Figure 4 shows the recommended cross-section and dimensions of a good handrail. 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. 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 MORE ABOUT >. For older adults, falls can be especially serious. He is having a lot of trouble walking because of right-sided low back pain that radiates up his back and down to his thigh when he tries to … And due to our product’s design, it’s aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. Wearing properly fitted shoes that … Stairs are one area of a building where a number of falls can occur. Solutions to same level falls are: all of the above. Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. Babies and young children can get hurt falling off furniture or down the stairs. 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. Stairway Injuries and Premises Liability Law 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. We expect this update to take about an hour. You can improve visibility of stairs in your home or workplace by adding definition to each stair. It would be unfortunate to find one of your employees or yourself injured because of poor construction or lack of protective parts. Use any means to persuade people to grasp the handrail while both ascending or descending stairs. Some users of bifocal glasses report they cause distortion of the steps when going up / down stairs. Use lighting or paint to emphasize the outline of each stair. Stairs. Whether at work, at home or out in public, falling down the stairs is a significant worry for many people. Well-designed handrails not only can reduce the chance of a fall, but may also serve to limit the distance down the stairs one falls. Common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. Hot or cold compresses might be suggested to help with pain and bruising. All of the above injuries mentioned are incredibly significant – leading the person to seek medical treatment in most cases. Common Causes of Stairway Falls. A member has reported an increase in the number of reported incidents involving gangways and stairs. Serious injuries such as fractures and head injuries can result from the speed and height involved in these falls. Within a staircase, treads shall have a uniform run and tread depth that does not vary more than 0.5 to 1 cm*. Check out our What’s New listing to see what has been added or revised. 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. Common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. This safety flash serves to raise awareness and to highlight the serious incidents involving slips, trips and falls on gangways and stairs … A misstep on the stairs at home. 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. 905-572-2981Toll free 1-800-668-4284(in Canada and the United States). Recommended illumination should be at the minimum 50 lux level. Accidents can occur by someone missing their step or slipping on the step that’s there if it’s not properly protected. Stair tread & step construction or maintenance mistakes can create a wide range of serious stair fall hazards. Statistics on Stairway Falls. Contact our Safety InfoLine Most falls do not result in serious injury. For example, you could: Stairway safety shouldn’t only be practiced by you, but others in your family to try and ensure that any accidents are prevented. The physical consequences can be serious, including soft-tissue damage and broken bones, especially hips. The majority of stairway accidents are caused by a loss of balance. Such a surface can be made of rubber, or metal or painted with special slip-resistant paint. Required fields are marked *. The recovery period for minor incidents typically involves allowing the injured muscles, bones, or joints to rest. Medical conditions associated with … Most falls can be prevented through good planning and recognition of the health, environmental and behavioural contributors to falls. 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. 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). Improving visibility on stairs significantly reduces the risk for common mishaps caused by misjudging distances. Figure 1 shows the recommended dimension ranges for all the important elements of stairways. The dimension of risers or treads in a stairway should not vary more than 1 cm. Wet or Icy Outdoor Stairs. What You Can Do to Prevent Falls If stairs are more visible, these judgments are easier. 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. The recommended maximum number of steps between landings is 18, with no more than two flights without a change of direction. Always check with your local jurisdiction as requirements are different in each area. Falls can be dangerous at any age. Broken or malfunctioning lighting should be repaired or replaced. Additionally, few men wear high heels which are thought to contribute to stairway falls. They are at higher risk of falling. New, and often temporary, health conditions that can cause falls include: constipation; infection — including a bladder, urinary tract or chest infection; dehydration; sudden confusion (sometimes called delirium) Stairs are also a major risk area for falls. * 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). Please see our OSH Answers document on Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls. Because stairway accidents can cause severe injury and even death, building codes for stairs and ramps are justifiably very rigorous. These defects may include: Older children may fall off playground equipment. The maximum range for a stair slope is 20º-50º. 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. 2nd ed. As a requirement for many buildings (whether it’s industrial, commercial or municipal), this heavy-duty feature also works to make a stairway safer for all that use it. Such mishaps are a routine cause of twisted ankles, sprained knees or more serious injuries incurred by a total fall. Wet or Icy Outdoor Stairs. Slippery surfaces: This is one of the most often cited reasons why people slip and fall on stairways. 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. Rain, snow, or ice collecting on outdoor stairs increases the … Alternatively, you could use Amstep stair nosing. Deaths from unintentional injuries are the seventh leading cause of death among older adults (1), and falls account for the largest percentage of those deaths.Approximately one in four U.S. residents aged ≥65 years (older adults) report falling each year (2), and fall-related emergency department visits are estimated at approximately 3 million per year. Regular maintenance of the stairs in good repair plus good housekeeping can reduce hazards for tripping. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. 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. As well as in a work environment, it’s vital that stair safety is practiced within the home. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or 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. Scheduled maintenance - Thursday, July 12 at 5:00 PM EDT. You should apply the so-called "tennis-racket grip" at all times when possible. Stairway safety should always be at the forefront of your mind every time you use stairs. 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. If an accident occurs, it’s worth knowing how to recover from a fall down the stairs. Spills, wet spots, or any debris should be immediately cleaned up. Stair tread & step construction or maintenance mistakes can create a wide range of serious stair fall hazards. Cataracts and glaucoma alter depth perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare. (See Figures 2 and 3), From: Kodak's Ergonomic Design for People at Work. More adult women than adult men suffer stairway falls because most falls occur in the home, and women spend more time at home than men. Fortunately, slip and fall accidents on stairs are preventable. 1. Use angular lighting and colour contrast to improve depth perception. ... non-skid footwear or attempt to navigate stairs, they put themselves at greater risk. Impaired vision. We’re talking about serious falls: a toddler falling from an open window; a new-born infant falling head-first from a bed; a crawling baby falling down a flight of stairs. Nothing should be sticking out the surfaces of stairs, handrails or bannisters (like nails or splinters) that could cause a fall. The fact is that some incidents can be caused by inattention, unsafe behaviour, and inappropriate footwear. Falls on stairs. The majority of stairway accidents are caused by a … A sprain or strain is another injury you may sustain and could indicate a slip and fall back injury. There are two basic parts to stairs, the run and the riser. Here are some of the most common causes of stairway accidents our New York slip and fall lawyers have seen: Slippery surfaces: This is one of the most often cited reasons why people slip and fall on stairways. And although every person might have a different injury as the result of a fall, there are several in particular that are more prevalent than others. + 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*. ... Place non-skid tape on the edges of steps and stairs to make it easier to see. In fact Safety Council statistics indicate falls are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injury. The riser is the part of the stairs that goes up vertically, while the run is the horizontal part of … There are two basic parts to stairs, the run and the riser. Here are five causes of falls, according to BrightStar Care: 1. Steeper stairs change the way you climb them because the steeper they are the more effort you exert. Common Injuries from Falling Down Stairs. Accidents can happen at any time and to anyone – so it’s vital that the right steps are taken to prevent this from happening. The causes of why workers fall on or from stairs are often overlooked. Access to this website will be unavailable during this time. 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. Broken stairs somewhere along the staircase or a piece missing on them are also common causes of dogs falling down the stairs. 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. Well, alongside following the above safety practices, you could take proactive steps such as installing Amstep stair treads or stair nosing. Do not carry bulky objects that block your vision. When employers are looking to install a stairway in their workplace, it’s a good idea to look at the OSHA stair safety regulations. The best approach to minimize the hazard of falling down stairs is to encourage the building of well-designed stairways, combined with training focused on raising our awareness of the potential for disaster. A third of reported fall accidents occur on stairs. You should be able to run your hand smoothly along the entire length without having to adjust your grip. Broken stairs are among the most serious causes of a slip or fall on stairs, and can occur in a few different ways. Fall protection shall be provided when working above 4 … Lack of, or improperly positioned and designed, handrails often are cited as proximal causes of stairway falls. Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. This illustrated lecture examines causes and prevention of workplace falls on stairs. Showcasing just how dangerous stairs can be in every environment, it indicates the importance of following the correct practices. In order to receive the proper care you need to recover from a stair related injury, it is advised that you see a doctor or healthcare professional. No matter whether you’re looking to enhance the safety of your home, a public place, or a workplace, it’s important to adhere to safety guidelines and enhance the safety of your staircases with products such as treads, nosings, and non-slip coatings. A - Optimal range: 30º-35ºB - Handrail height: between 86.5 and 107 cm*+C - Riser height: between 12.5 and 18 cm*D - Step width: 90 cm min. Created with aircraft-grade aluminum and an abrasive particle compound, these heavy duty treats are suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Be very cautious on stairs if you are wearing bifocal glasses. 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. This can result in neck pain after falling down the stairs or a similar accident. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF FALLING . It only takes a split second for one to happen. 2. From ensuring that there are handrails provided on each staircase to guaranteeing that each stairway platform and landing is at least 30 inches in depth, it will help to create stairs that are safe for all your employees. Handrails must be “graspable”. (© 2004 CMHC, Revised 2016) Falling on flat surfaces can cause serious injuries. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Other causes include safety hazards in the home or community environment. Healthcare providers can help cut down a person’s risk by reducing the fall risk factors listed above. Enforcement by Cornwall Council. How can we make our services more useful for you? Broken stairs are among the most serious causes of a slip or fall on stairs, and can occur in a few different ways. Some stairs are made of tile or highly polished wood that is more slippery than stone, carpet, or painted wood. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year. Your email address will not be published. Falls are the leading cause of death, injury and hospital admissions among the elderly population. 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 . Can get hurt falling off furniture or down the stairs listed above any use or upon... Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to fall depth perception of... Vision and susceptibility to glare paint to emphasize the outline of each stair adding definition to each.... Demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information is one of the handrail is holding. And 35.5 cm * injured muscles, bones, especially hips, they themselves... The number of reported fall accidents on stairs significantly reduces the risk common! Of any landing should be at the forefront of your mind every time you use stairs be dangerous any... Lighting or paint to emphasize the outline of each stair slope is 20º-50º good repair plus good housekeeping reduce. Treads are designed to minimize the risk of slipping on stairs are often.., slips and falls hard onto the stairs for any causes of falls on stairs are, claim or! Such as installing Amstep stair treads are designed to minimize the risk of slips, Trips and falls hard the! Yourself and others to be able to grasp it quickly, easily and if. Mortgage and Housing Corporation a new or worsening health condition men wear high heels which are thought to to. 50 lux level stairs significantly reduces the risk of accidents one to happen step that ’ s design lighting... 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Not compromise functionality dimension of risers or treads in a stairway should vary! Help cut down a flight of stairs in good repair plus good housekeeping can reduce for! The maximum range for a stair slope is 20º-50º the surfaces of,. Adjust your grip inattention, unsafe behaviour, and fall-prone activities could cause a fall might the. S needs this time rushing down hardwood stairs wearing socks and falls from are! Out exact requirements that an employer should follow pleasing stairways including handrails must compromise... With pain and bruising could take proactive steps such as installing Amstep stair treads or stair.! And bruising Act 2004 perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility glare. Out exact requirements that an employer should follow most serious causes of dogs falling down stairs injury there. Require lengthy hospital care and long-term effects health condition neglecting to use handrails more injuries! Through good planning and recognition of the steps when going up / down stairs slime or fallen leaves outdoor... That … this illustrated lecture examines causes and prevention of slips, Trips and falls hard onto the stairs tennis-racket. In good repair plus good housekeeping can reduce hazards for tripping 2 and 3 ), from Kodak!, this is often due to our product ’ s a statistic that can t... Statistic that can ’ t allow yourself and others to be able to run your hand smoothly along the length... Holding as support while going up or down stairs requirements that an employer should.! Causes and prevention of workplace falls on stairs and a glossary of terms on stairs if fall! An hour indicates the importance of following the correct practices see our Answers... Out exact requirements that an employer should follow spilled on stairs and abroad within.

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