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Exposure to Falls from Stairs

This category of fall exposures include all falls resulting from slipping or tripping in stairwells or on steps in places like auditoriums, bleachers, basements, main entrances, porches, decks, and loading docks. Because our work takes us to various premises, injuries resulting from stair falls will continue to be a high risk and severity injury exposure for the foreseeable future.

Injuries from staircase falls can result in injuries, including strains and bruises to fractures and closed head injuries. Injuries to the back, head, and wrists/hands are most common. Tibia/fibula, wrist and ankle fractures are commonly seen following trips on stair falls while descending when the victim, falling forward, steps out to break their fall. Slip injuries while descending will typically result in musculoskeletal injuries to the head, neck, back, and buttocks.

Distractions, like talking or reading; unsafe conditions, like liquid spills or discarded food wrappers; and maintenance-related conditions, like damage to stair tread or handrails, are all common on stairs. Therefore, a stair fall is typically the result of an individual’s at-risk behavior while on steps. That is, for whatever reason, an employee does not focus on holding the handrail and watching where they are stepping, or are unable to see their pathway to avoid otherwise unsafe conditions.

Examples of at-risk behaviors that lead to falls on stairs include:

ν Not holding the handrail.

ν Skipping steps.

ν Hurrying.

ν Carrying an object that obstructs your view of the pathway.

ν Being distracted and not paying attention to your surroundings.

ν Wearing improper footwear for the conditions.

What can we do about it?

There are several simple things you can do right now to minimize your exposure to falls-from-stairs injuries.

ν Always focus on where you step. Watch where you are stepping to allow you to observe hazardous conditions.

ν Always use the handrail.

ν Do not carry items that block your view of the pathway or ability to use the handrail. Take additional trips.

ν If at all possible, use an elevator especially when carrying things.

ν Avoid other simultaneous activities, like reading, that distract you while on stairs.

ν Plan your time to avoid hurrying or skipping steps.

ν Choose a safe path. Take the time to step around an unsafe condition instead of through it.

ν Help others. If you see a hazard that you can fix, fix it. Otherwise, report observed unsafe conditions.

ν Communicate. If you observe someone placing themselves at-risk of a fall on stairs, let them know.

The information contained in this document was obtained from sources that to the best of the writer’s knowledge are authentic and reliable. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. makes no guarantee of results, and assumes no liability in connection with either the information herein contained, or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedures.

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A five-minute training Series for Pest Management Professionals.

Volume XIII Issue 7

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