Thousands of people are injured each year when they fall down stairs.Most accidents can be prevented by following simple safety tips.It is possible to prevent falling down stairs by learning more about the reasons people fall and changing their habits.
Step 1: Pay attention.
Accidents are caused by not paying attention to the stairway environment when going down stairs frequently.People tend to only look at the first three steps of a stairway.It is important to attend to each step when walking down unfamiliar stairs.The stair depth may be different on older stairways.This is a cause of falling.Walk carefully and be aware of the possibility of variances.When you walk down the stairs, you'll want to wear your glasses.Your risk for falling down stairs increases if your feet are out of focus.
Step 2: Take it easy.
On steep, curved or cramped stairways, don't hurry or run down stairs.If you are in a hurry, take a break.Don't take more than one at a time.The base of the stairway is where you should keep your eyes on the stairs.Many people fall when they assume they've reached the bottom of the stairs.
Step 3: Use stair rails.
When walking down stairs, handrails are used instead of stair rails.The railings should be at a consistent height above the stair.If the handrails are decorative but not useful, replace them with something else.An adult should be able to wrap their hand around the handrail.The handrail should be free of splinters and rough areas.Without interruption, the handrail should allow for free passage from beginning to end.The handrail should extend at least one stair.Upon reaching the end of the stairs, this will allow for stability.
Step 4: People should be educated on the importance of handrails.
If Handrails are used, they can be used to avoid falling down stairs.It is important to teach those who use the stairs how to hold a handrail.There should be handrails on both sides of the stairs.A person walking up and down the stairs should both be able to hold a handrail.Holding one hand to the handrail is a must when walking down stairs.
Step 5: People who are vulnerable can't access stairs.
Older adults with dementia should not be allowed to access stairs if they use a safety gate.The stairs should be secure at the top and bottom.Attach the gate to the wall on the other side.The stair banister will be attached to the gate.You need the gate to be effective if it's not properly closed at all times.Between a door frame, pressure gates are designed to fit.The stairway will not be secure if a pressure gate is used to block it.
Step 6: Remove stuff.
Falls on stairs can be caused by items left on the stairs.Before walking up or down the stairs, make sure they are free of items.There should be nothing loose or sticking out of the stairs.Anything sticky that might affect the passage down the stairs should be cleaned up.Don't put rugs at the top or bottom of the stairs.These can result in falling down the stairs.
Step 7: The visibility of stairs can be improved.
Falls can be caused by improper judging of distance in a stairway.These judgments are easier if stairs are visible.Adding definition to the stairs can improve visibility.The outline of each stair can be emphasized with lighting or paint.A common strategy in commercial stairways is to paint a bright strip along the end of the stair, or to light it with a string of small lights.To avoid glare from lights, use a matt paint.Don't use patterned carpets on the stairs.
Step 8: The lighting needs to be adequate.
The minimum amount of light people need to read is 50 lux.It's important that the lighting is designed for good visibility of stairs.You should be able to turn on the lights from either end of the stairway.Light can be placed on the wall above the stairs.The stair can be lit from underneath or from within.There is an opportunity to be creative.You should use a flashlight if you find yourself around stairs.
Step 9: The stair tread needs to be maintained.
Allowing stairs to become slippery encourages falls.Installation of non-slip surfaces on the stair reduces the risk of falls.These can be either rubber or metal.The leading edge can be applied.Carpets should be kept in good shape.When the carpet treads are worn, replace them with stairs that are free of loose threads.
Step 10: When walking down stairs, wear footwear.
As you walk down the stairs, shoes with good treads will support your feet.Slips down stairs are more likely if you wear high heels, soft soles or socks.When walking down the stairs, make sure you have ankle support.A turned ankle can lead to a fall.Your feet should be turned out for better stability.
Step 11: Don't wear clothing that drags on the floor.
When walking up and down stairs, it is easy to step on long, flowing skirts or pants.This will lead to a fall.When walking on stairs, avoid wearing clothes of this nature.If you find yourself wearing these clothes in a situation where walking down stairs can't be avoided, be careful to gather the excess material in one hand as you walk.Use your other hand to hold the stair rail.You can't see your feet if you wear clothes that are too long.The risk of falling if you don't know where your feet are on the stairs.
Step 12: Don't wear tight clothes.
The knees and legs can be a hazard if the skirts don't allow for free movement.People can't walk from stair to stair if skirts are tight.If you have to wear tight skirts, walk up and down the stairs with both feet on each stair.Pushing the skirt as far up the thigh as you please is one way to navigate stairs in a tight skirt.This allows you to walk up and down stairs more safely.