The Benefits of Handrails for Stair Safety

Having a handrail on your staircases is not just an important consideration for high-traffic commercial buildings but is a simple improvement that can make stairs considerably safer in all environments. According to the Health and Safety Executive, a third of all industry falls occur on stairs, while the chance of falling on stairs is doubled when there isn’t a handrail.

Installing a handrail is an easy and cost-effective way to greatly improve not only the safety in your home or workplace but also the comfort and independence of those living in and using the space.

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

It seems a little daft to explain how a handrail works; however, it’s something that most of us don’t think about – even when going up and down stairs! The truth is, having a secure handrail available to grab onto should you slip a little on a step makes a massive difference.

As humans, we naturally reach out with our arms to steady us if we lose a little balance, and having a sturdy handrail there to grab onto prevents most of the possible accidents. Even when that desperate grasp isn’t quite enough to prevent the fall entirely, it provides a greater level of control and makes sure that whatever outcome does occur, the damage is minimised.

The need for handrail support increases in both the very young and the elderly, as well as for those with mobility issues. If you’re a little unsteady on your feet, then a handrail can make the difference between being able to use the stairs and simply feeling stranded.

Enhancing Accessibility and Meeting Regulations

There’s a reason why the Equality Act 2010 covers handrails for accessibility in public and commercial spaces – it’s because it is really an important issue.

In an ideal world, lifts and ramps would be installed as standard to provide the maximum amount of accessibility, but the reality is a little different and often, there are no options other than to use the stairs or be excluded.

The low-cost solution of a properly fitted handrail, set to the optimum height as detailed in Document K of the UK Building Regulations (paragraph 1.34), eliminates much of the risk and provides all users with a staircase that effectively meets safety needs.

Supporting Balance and Confidence

The difficulty faced by anyone with mobility or stability issues when looking at an imposing set of steps cannot be underplayed. What many simply take in their stride presents an impenetrable barrier if there’s no support. Not just because of the physical complications in climbing or descending the stairs, but also because the fear of falling is considerable. In many cases, an elderly or mobility-restricted person may be physically able to attempt the staircase, but the risk makes it simply unadvisable.

People simply feel safer and more confident when using stairs with handrails – that’s true for everyone, but it is especially relevant for children, the elderly, and those recovering from injuries.

Improving the Building

Handrails don’t just provide a service for those looking for extra support in getting up and down the stairs – they actually add value and aesthetic appeal to your building.

When it comes to residential homes, staircases without handrails can turn off many potential buyers, who take one look at the stairs and think, ‘Wow, I wouldn’t want to go up those on a wobbly day’.

Handrails enhance the visual appeal of staircases, providing key focal points that separate larger expanses of wall space, as well as triggering a subconscious feeling of safety. With a wide range of modern designs developed to bring out the aesthetic appeal of your stairway, adding a handrail boosts your property rather than detracting from it.

These subtle subconscious cues make the low level of expense of installing handrails a valuable investment, making the building more appealing and valuable.

Handrails for Stair Safety with John Ford Group

One final consideration for your stair handrails is that of competent professional installation – after all, if you are putting in something that must be relied on in an emergency situation to provide guaranteed support, you need to make sure it’s done right. The John Ford Group is a premier construction firm specialising in home and commercial accessibility adaptations. We work hand-in-hand with you to consider all your accessibility requirements and undertake top-quality professional work that will help ensure everyone’s safety in the building.