Stairs are necessary in many situations. They allow for an easy way to get from one level to the other, and you will find them everywhere.
Despite their extensive use, stairs are also a huge hazard that can increase the chances of a slip and fall. There are several ways stairs can pose a risk.
Bad design
Sometimes, a set of stairs are bad from the very beginning. The design may make them too steep, which could easily lead to someone losing their balance. Another issue is steps that are too narrow. Not being able to get a good foothold on a step also can throw off balance or even lead to the foot slipping off the step and leading to a fall.
Construction codes try to prevent these issues in new construction projects, but if you come across an older home or building, it could have stairs with these characteristics.
Missing safety aspects
To reduce the chances of stairs being fall hazards, they should be well-lit. However, many staircases lack proper lighting. Not being able to clearly see can increase the chances of missing a step, which might cause a fall.
Another issue is a lack of handrails. Handrails can be beneficial in many cases to help guide a person up or down the stairs. But if they are not there, it might lead to an increased fall risk.
While it is very difficult to avoid ever using stairs, you should be aware of the many ways in which they could be hazardous. Being aware of the risk could help you avoid a serious fall.