Act Safety on the Stairs Using the stairs

Act Safety on the Stairs Using the stairs in the office or at home is something we all do daily on a very regular basis. As a consequence it is something people become very blasé about. However, when you consider the statistics it is one of the highest risk areas of offices, homes and sites. The cause of the accidents could be due to down to the design and maintenance issues but according to the HSE it is just as likely to be down to human factors. • Approximately 1, 000 major accidents occur on stairs in the workplace each year. When you consider this number doesn’t include the number of slips, trips and falls at home this is a startling number. • It is the sixth biggest cause of accidental details in America, on average more than 1, 500 people die every year from falling down the stairs. The cause of the accidents could be due to down to the design and maintenance issues but according to the HSE it is just as likely to be down to human factors.

Act Safe The cause of the accidents could be due to down to the design and maintenance issues but according to the HSE it is just as likely to be down to human factors. The findings from a survey in America found: • 95% of the stair uses looked where they were going • 94% used every step • Only 40% held the handrail

Act Safe Stair Behaviours – What can we do to improve? We all need to reinforcing the message about using the handrails and we can start by following these 8 steps (pun intended): 1. If you see someone on the stairs not using the handrail, encourage them to use it and always use it yourself. 2. It is company policy to not use mobile devices whilst on the stairs, please point this out to someone if they are using a mobile phone. 3. If you don’t have a hand free or your view is obscured, use the lift. Heavy or awkward items should also be moved by lift. 4. If there are spills or slip hazards, don’t just walk by, remove it or clean it up. 5. Don’t carry uncovered drinks on stairs. 6. Don’t store items on the stairs, keep them clear. 7. Don’t run or jump down stairs and don’t skip steps. 8. If we saw an unsafe act on site, we would act and we’re empowered to stop the job if it’s not safe. What’s the difference when we are in the office?