Unfortunately, there are thousands of accidents every year that involve people falling up or down stairs. This can cause serious injury, from broken bones and bruises to concussions and even broken necks. To ensure that you are always safe when using stairs, the team at Gowling Stairs has compiled these helpful tips that are sure to keep you in place.

1. Tips for Avoiding Accidents and
Injury on the Stairs
By
the team at Gowling Stairs

2. TIP 1
All staircases should have at least one handrail, but two are
better than one. You need to use the handrail whenever you are
walking up or down the steps, especially in the case of children
and the elderly.

3. TIP 2
If your stairs are carpeted, make sure that the pattern is not
misleading. Plain carpet will always show the edge of the step
much better. You should also fix frayed, loose or worn carpet
as soon as possible.

4. TIP 3
Do you find vacuuming your stairs difficult because of the
flexibility or weight of your vacuum cleaner? Consider buying a
handheld, cordless dust buster that is specifically for cleaning
the steps.

5. TIP 4
Make sure that the area surrounding your stairs is well lit.
There should be a switch at the top and bottom. You might
also like to install a sensor light that will turn on when it
senses movement at night.

6. TIP 5
Avoid rushing up or down the stairs, especially if you’re carrying
something. You should also make sure that you always have one hand free
to hold onto the handrail; it’s better to make two safe journeys.

7. TIP 6
Never leave things on the stairs, as this can create a tripping hazard.
You might have just placed some towels on the bottom step to
remind you to take them up, but it isn’t worth the risk of someone
hurting themselves.

8. TIP 7
Never place loose rugs at the top or bottom of the steps, as
this will also create a tripping hazard. If you must have a rug
there, make sure it is a few steps away from the staircase to
ensure it won’t become an issue.

9. By following each of these tips you can rest assured that you are
always using stairs safely and that you are lessening the risk of an
accident occurring.
To learn more about the different staircase designs provided by
the team at Gowling Stairs, check out our website:
www.gowlingstairs.com.au