We’ve all had those moments where we’ve been walking down the stairs and had a wobble; if we’re lucky we manage to save ourselves or if we do fall it is only a couple of stairs and the damage is limited to a temporary knock of our confidence. However, for all the people that don’t fall, there are plenty that do!
Statistics say you are most likely to have an accident on the stairs in your own home but there are many stair based accidents in the workplace as well. In fact there is a league table of the worst performing industries in terms of this type of accident with: Service/Hospitality, Manufacture and Construction being the three worst offenders.
This is not surprising when you think that these are the industries most likely to involve carrying heavy, bulky or hazardous items up and down stairways. Of course it could be the case that you are not at work and have a fall, for example if you were in the library or the bank.
The question is, if you do have an accident on the stairs then who is to blame?
Well, if you have an accident on the stairs at work or in a public place then the first thing to look at is whether the stairs were kept in good order and repair by the people responsible for the property – usually the owners.
Stairs that are well maintained should be free from obvious dangers and be reasonably safe to use. Stairs should not be overly worn so that they become dangerous, nor should they be allowed to become loose in their fittings so that they are unstable. Stairs should be well lit and the steps should be clearly visible, where this is not possible then your attention should be brought to this with sufficient lighting or warning signs. Obstacles should not be left on stairways and the owners should make sure that any slippery surfaces are addressed as soon as possible (this includes moss and leaves on outside stairwells). In all but a few exceptional cases handrails should be provided on stairs wherever possible.
Regulations also apply to those that manufacture and fit private stairs and although they may not be responsible to maintain stairs in a private property they must: ensure that the stairs are within a regulation size, free from defects and have a handrail at the appropriate height.
Accidents on stairs can result in very serious injuries such as broken bones, head injuries and even damage caused to spines, if you have been injured on defective or ill maintained stairs then you should call The Injury Lawyers and discuss your potential claim, so why wait, call The Injury Lawyers today on 0800 634 7575.
