In any workplace, one of the major concerns always is employee safety. Not only does an injury result in lost man hours and loss of revenue for the company, it also opens up the company for liability in terms of worker’s compensation.
One of the key areas where most injuries occur are on steel stairs structures in a workplace. To avoid risk, the following steps need to be done by management to minimize possible accidents from occurring in the workplace in and around the steel stairs structure.
- Proper Design. Designing steel stairs involves not just the form and function. It also involves the length and width of the each stair step, the proximity of the hand rail, the height between each step. This is the most common causes for falls on steel stairs. Either the steps are too narrow, or the height is too steep. Making the proper distances and widths would help avoid any injuries and minimize the risk in the use of steel stairs.
- Proper Notices. One way to minimize the risk of accidents from occurring on the steel stairs is having notices on its proper use. These would include advisories as to the safety of having light loads carried on the stairs, avoiding running or jumping, watching steps while using the stairs. By posting the right notices, the users are informed of the possible risks and if the actions taken are risky, then the liability would attach to the user and not to management.
- Proper Maintenance. One way to keep steel stairs safe is to keep them well maintained. This can be done by placing rough surfaces for traction when using the stairs. Having the steel stairs well lighted would also help keep the area safe for all its users.
The common issues with steel stairs are the possible risks involved in its use. Proper design, proper notice and proper notice minimizes those issues.