The document discusses the importance of stair safety, highlighting the prevalence of stair-related accidents and their seriousness, with statistics showing around 12,000 deaths and over 1 million injuries globally each year. It outlines a 'stair code' that includes key safety principles such as using handrails, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, and maintaining clear stairways to prevent accidents. The aim is to raise awareness and encourage safe practices when using stairs to reduce the risk of injuries.

1. Toolbox Talk
October 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK SAFELY
Stair Code
Ascending and descending the stairs is considered a routine task and
something that most people take for granted. Seriously what could
possibly go wrong?
However both indoor and outdoor stairways are surprisingly common
areas for trips and falls. Men and women of all ages experience
accidents on the stairs, it’s not just the old or the young that are at
risk and need to be vigilant.
Stair related injuries are more common and often more serious than you think. Consider the following
statistics from the National Safety Council;-
• Globally there are around 12,000 stair related deaths every year.
• Almost 50% of stair deaths occur in the home.
• Accidents on the stairs accounts for over 1 million injuries every year.
• Staircase and stairway accidents constitute the second leading cause of accidental injury,
second only to car accidents.
The stair code is a simple way of protecting yourself from becoming one of
these statistics. By adhering to a couple of very simple principals you will
significantly reduce the potential that you could be hurt, as follows;-
1. Hold the handrail at all times, just in case you momentarily
lose your balance or footing.
2. Don’t climb up or down the stairs when using a mobile phone.
3. Don’t carry any heavy or unwieldly items up the stairs, if it
prevents you maintaining three points of contact then don’t
do it.
4. Report any spills, poor lighting, defects or damage
immediately.
5. Uphold high housekeeping standards on the stairways at all
times, don’t leave any tripping hazards.
Hold On – Or It Could be a Bumpy Ride!