Steps

Steps | Fall Prevention | Right at Home Ireland

Walking up/down steps

Risk Factors	Prevention
Lack of handrail support Lack of lighting Steps/step coverings in poor repair Stairway Activity: Hurrying up/down steps Carrying loads, unable to see steps Wearing socks (easy to slip on steps) Not using handrails	Install handrails on both sides of steps (handrails should extend beyond top/bottom step so elders know they are on solid footing; handrails should be round in shape to ensure good grasp) Install increased stairway lighting and check for shadows that may cause visual confusion Provide lighting at top/bottom of steps where most falls occur Repair faulty steps/coverings Install carpet or non-slip rubber treads on each step (carpeted stairs are preferable to bare steps because they are less slippery) Work on education/behavior modification to change potentially accident-prone stairway activity (i.e., grasp hand rails) Wear supportive footwear with slip-resistant soles

Risk Factors

Prevention

Lack of handrail support
Lack of lighting
Steps/step coverings in poor repair

Stairway Activity:

Hurrying up/down steps
Carrying loads, unable to see steps
Wearing socks (easy to slip on steps)
Not using handrails

Install handrails on both sides of steps (handrails should extend beyond top/bottom step so elders know they are on solid footing; handrails should be round in shape to ensure good grasp)
Install increased stairway lighting and check for shadows that may cause visual confusion
Provide lighting at top/bottom of steps where most falls occur
Repair faulty steps/coverings
Install carpet or non-slip rubber treads on each step (carpeted stairs are preferable to bare steps because they are less slippery)
Work on education/behavior modification to change potentially accident-prone stairway activity (i.e., grasp hand rails)
Wear supportive footwear with slip-resistant soles

Download our Falls Prevention Guide

Other Areas of Fall Prevention

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