27 May Stairs and Walkways Safety

Stairs and Walkways Safety

Stairs and walkways are used every day, but their hazards can easily be overlooked. Poor housekeeping, slippery surfaces, damaged handrails, obstructions, and unexpected elevation changes can result in serious slips, trips, and falls. Maintaining safe stairs and walkways is everyone’s responsibility.

Guide for Discussion

Keep Stairs and Walkways Clear

Good housekeeping is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries.

• Keep stairs, aisles, and walkways free of tools, equipment, materials, cords, hoses, and debris.
• Clean up water, oil, grease, mud, and other slippery substances promptly.
• Remove snow and ice and apply appropriate traction or ice-control materials when necessary.
• Do not use stairs or walkways for temporary storage.
• Keep designated walking surfaces unobstructed at all times.
• Correct or report damaged walking surfaces, loose flooring, potholes, and other hazards.

Use Handrails

Handrails provide an important means of maintaining balance on stairs.

• Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs.
• Keep at least one hand available to grasp the handrail whenever practical.
• Do not carry loads that prevent you from seeing the stairs or safely using the handrail.
• Report loose, damaged, or missing handrails immediately.
• Never slide, sit, or climb on stair railings.

Do not attempt to repair structural handrails unless you are authorized and qualified to perform the work.

Use Designated Walking Routes

Stairs and walkways are provided to give employees a safe means of access.

• Use designated stairs, ramps, and walkways.
• Do not jump from loading docks or elevated surfaces.
• Never climb over piping, conveyors, railings, or equipment as a shortcut.
• Do not cross barricaded or restricted areas unless authorized.
• Use designated pedestrian routes around vehicle and equipment traffic.

Saving a few seconds is never worth risking a fall or other serious injury.

Guard Elevated Walking and Storage Areas

Mezzanines, elevated platforms, storage areas, and other open-sided surfaces may require guardrail systems or other fall protection.

• Keep required guardrails in place.
• Never remove or alter guardrails without authorization and appropriate protective measures.
• Keep materials away from unprotected edges.
• Do not overload mezzanines, platforms, or elevated storage areas.
• Observe posted load limits.
• Provide safe access to elevated areas.
• Report missing or damaged guardrails immediately.

Never assume a roof, mezzanine, or elevated surface can safely support stored materials unless its load capacity has been established.

Watch for Changes in Elevation

Unexpected steps, ramps, curbs, and changes in floor elevation can create trip hazards.

• Keep elevation changes visible and adequately illuminated.
• Use appropriate markings or warnings where necessary.
• Repair damaged steps and walking surfaces promptly.
• Maintain uniform and unobstructed access whenever practical.
• Pay particular attention to areas where employees or visitors may be unfamiliar with the walking surface.

Control Cords and Hoses

Electrical cords, welding leads, hoses, and similar equipment should not create trip hazards.

• Route cords and hoses away from pedestrian walkways whenever possible.
• Do not run cords across stairs.
• When crossing a walkway cannot be avoided, protect the cord or hose using an appropriate cover or other suitable method.
• Provide temporary warnings when necessary until the hazard can be corrected.
• Never create a new hazard by improperly taping or securing cords to walking surfaces.

Walking on Wet or Icy Surfaces

Weather can quickly change otherwise safe walking surfaces.

When conditions are slippery:

• Slow down.
• Take shorter steps.
• Keep your feet pointed generally in the direction of travel.
• Use available handrails and handholds.
• Wear footwear appropriate for the conditions.
• Avoid sudden changes in direction.
• Treat wet, icy, oily, or snow-covered surfaces as potential hazards.
• Report conditions requiring additional cleanup or treatment.

Inspect Stairs and Walkways

Conditions can change throughout the workday. Watch for:

• Loose or damaged handrails.
• Broken or uneven steps.
• Worn or damaged walking surfaces.
• Poor lighting.
• Snow and ice accumulation.
• Water, oil, or other slippery substances.
• Tools and materials in passageways.
• Cords or hoses creating trip hazards.
• Missing or damaged guardrails.
• Obstructed exits or emergency routes.

Correct hazards when authorized to do so or report them promptly so appropriate corrective action can be taken.

Remember

Stair and walkway hazards can develop quickly. Use designated walking routes, keep passageways clear, use handrails, and immediately correct or report slippery surfaces, obstructions, and damaged walking surfaces.