Unfortunately, the stair treads and handrails in your home can present a fall risk. Whether you’re ageing in place, live in a multi-generational home, or just want to feel safer, you can use our fall prevention 101 guide to help avoid falls in your residence.

Remove Area Rugs and Runners Near the Stairs

It’s natural to lay down area rugs and runners to keep floors warm and to add some decorative touches to your home. However, rugs at the top and bottom of the stairs increase the risk of falls. Remove rugs near your stairs to avoid trips, slips, and falls that can send people toppling down the stairs, causing serious injuries.

Improve Stairway Lighting

Poor lighting can lead to trips when going up and down your stairs. This is even riskier for stair treads that are painted or stained a dark colour. Be sure you have bright lighting in your stairwell with light switches located at the top and bottom of the stairs.

You can also consider installing motion-sensitive lighting so that when anyone approaches the stairs, the light turns on and then turns off once they are out of the area.

Improve Stair Tread Traction

While you might love your hardwood or pretty painted stair treads, they can pose a serious slipping hazard if the surfaces are too smooth. Although the idea of adding ugly adhesives to your stairs might sound awful, treatments are available that create more traction on smooth surfaces with minimal impact on your stair’s appearance.

That said, if you’re ageing in place or have ageing parents at home, you might consider something more substantial, such as non-skid tape or rubber treads designed to keep the stairs 100% slip-free.

Tighten or Remove Carpeting or Stair Runners

Another major trip hazard is loose stair runners and carpeting. If your stairs have carpeting, be sure the carpeting is pulled taught to remove lumps and bumps that increase the risk of tripping.

Keep Stairs Clear of Objects

This is riskier in multi-generational homes where kids can leave toys on the stairs, presenting a risk for grandparents. It is very important to keep stairs clear of objects not only on the steps, but also at the top and bottom of staircases.

If you plan to take something up or down the stairs, do it right away instead of leaving it in the area to grab the next time you use the stairs. If you have small children or pets, they can leave toys on the steps, so keep this in mind and pick up items on the steps before someone gets hurt!

Stabilize Handrails

If your handrails are loose, be sure to repair them right away. Loose handrails are unstable, and should someone trip or lean on them when using the stairs, they may lack the necessary support to prevent falling.

Also, keep in mind that handrails are meant to run the entire staircase length at a height between 30 to 36 inches from the floor. Always install them so the screws are drilled into the studs; otherwise, they can rip out from the wall when weight is placed on them.

Add Handrails on Both Sides

Handrails should be placed on both sides of the stairs so people can grip them easily when going up and down. Although single handrails can be used both ways, they are not as easy to grip depending on whether someone is right or left-handed. Also, people with limited ability find it easier to have handrails on both sides.

Ensure Handrails Are “Grippable”

The handrails must be “grippable”, allowing people to hold onto them firmly. If the handrails are too wide, it can be difficult to get a proper grip. Thus, when someone feels themselves falling, this will not allow them to get the support they need. Your hand should be able to wrap around the entire handrail for it to be safe and provide stability.

Use Colour to Make Stair Treads Easier to See

As mentioned earlier, darker steps can be harder to see. You can help define where the steps end by adding a strip of colour at the front of the stair treads. For example, you might apply a 3” or 4” stripe of a lighter or darker stain to the edge of the treads or alternate the colour of the steps to help separate them.

This is essential for those with failing depth perception or degenerative eye conditions. To assist people going up the stairs, you can paint the risers white or the colour of your choice.

Ensure Stairs Are Designed to Code

Sometimes, older homes or DIY steps aren’t designed to code. Stair code is important as it is designed to make stairs safer, ensuring all stair treads are of a safe depth, and that each riser is of equal height so people don’t trip when the step is unexpectedly higher or lower.

If you find that your stairs are uneven, Ontario stair regulations are as follows:

  • Maximum rise for all steps: 200 mm (7.87”)
  • Minimum rise for all steps: 125 mm (4.92”)
  • Maximum run for rectangular treads: 355 mm (13.98”)
  • Minimum run for rectangular treads: 255 mm (10.04”)

Additionally, adding stair nosing can help add proper depth to treads.

Define the “Bottom of Flight Illusion”

Many older homes pose a danger known as the “bottom of flight illusion”. In this case, the bottom step colour blends in with the landing as opposed to the rest of the staircase. This creates the illusion that you’re stepping onto a flat landing when it’s actually another step.

You can help avoid falls related to this illusion by changing the bottom step to match your steps. You can also add a rubber tread, reflective tape, or a paint or stain colour to help define the step.

Invest in Quality Materials

When upgrading your stairs, be sure to invest in quality materials, including stair treads, handrails, nosing, etc. This way, your stairs are durable, safe, sturdy, and attractive.

Install a Chair Lift

When it gets to the point where taking the stairs requires great effort, it could be time to consider a chair lift. Chair lifts will ensure that you or your loved ones are transported safely and avoid unnecessary falls that can lead to life-changing injuries.

Contact the Professionals

If you’re considering installing new stairs in your home, the experts at Cosmaroma can help. Click here to view our stair treads. You can also call us at (855) 457-1039 or contact us online.