At times accidents are just unavoidable. However, we can greatly lower the probability of an accident happening in our homes with a good home maintenance routine. The staircase is one area of the home at high risk for accidents and injury, so we are going to concentrate on that in this blog. Here are some staircase safety and maintenance tips:
Does the staircase in your home meet current building codes and standards? Depending on the age of the house this may not always be the case. For example, every step needs to be the exact same height so that they are not a tripping hazard. Banisters must not be placed too far apart, otherwise, they will become a hazard to small children.
If you have wooden stairs, be careful that you do not over-polish them as they could be lethal to anyone just wearing socks. Carpeted stairs should be checked also. Loose carpeting can present a tripping hazard with the potential for serious injury. Make sure that handrails are sturdy and not wobbly or loose.
Adequate lighting both on and around the staircase is also extremely important when it comes to safety. Each step must be clear to see, as well as, the areas surrounding the staircase. This is particularly necessary if any members of the household have limited visibility.
