Accidents are simply unavoidable at times. The risk of accidents in the home, however, can be reduced by a good program of home maintenance. Let’s discuss one of the more high-risk areas in the home for accidents and injury – the stairs. What can be done to keep this area safe?
If you live in an older house, your staircase may not meet current building safety standards and codes. For example, each step must be the same height to prevent tripping hazards and banister rungs should not be positioned too far apart, to avoid them from becoming a danger to small children.
Good lighting on and around the staircase is important, especially in households that have someone with limited mobility or are visually impaired. Each step should be clearly visible. The area surrounding the staircase must also have good lighting.
Slipping or tripping up and down stairs can be extremely hazardous. As a homeowner, you must do your best to prevent slips and falls. If your home has carpeting on and around the stairs, check that it has not become loose in any place. If the stairs are wooden, do not over-polish them, as they could become lethal. Make sure handrails are firm and have not started to wobble.
Do you have stairs outside of your house? These too must be well maintained. Make sure they have the right amount of grade and that any concrete or wood has not started to weaken and deteriorate.
