One in two Brits fall on the stairs – BWF urges ‘Speak Up for Stair Safety’

British Woodworking Federation launches ‘Speak up for Stair Safety’ campaign in response to high number of stair-related incidents

Almost half of UK adults (43%) have experienced a slip, trip or fall on the stairs in the last 12 months, according to new research released by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).

The findings highlight an often-overlooked risk in the home: 60% of those who’d experienced a trip, slip or fall said it happened in their own property, underlining the need for greater awareness around stair safety.

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “With people feeling most comfortable in their own homes, they tend to take risks – using their phone on the stairs, carrying heavy items or simply rushing up or down. While a reflection of today’s busy lifestyles, these behaviours increase the risk of a slip, trip, or fall, which could result in serious or potentially fatal injuries.”

Nearly a third of accidents (32%) were linked to broken safety features and poor maintenance. The top five hazards cited were:

• Slippery surfaces (40%)

• Poor lighting (32%)

• Items on the stairs (29%)

• Uneven steps (26%)

• Lack of handrails (23%)

In response to the research, the BWF has launched a new safety awareness campaign – Speak up for Stair Safety – to highlight the urgent need for safer stair habits and staircase design.

Young adults most at risk – but older people face greater consequences

Younger adults displayed a higher risk of trips, slips and falls, with over 60% of those aged 18-34 reporting accidents in the last 12 months, compared with just 33% of over-65s.

However, while younger people are more likely to have accidents, older people face a greater risk of fatal injury. In 2023, more than 850 deaths of those aged 65+ were caused by “fall on and from stairs and steps” according to ONS data.

Lifestyle factors such as rushing (25%), carrying items (10%) and digital distractions (5%) may be contributing to the increased accident rate among younger people – even if the resulting injuries are generally less severe than those suffered by the older generation.

Despite 84% of people acknowledging that device use increases the risk of falls, nearly a third admit to scrolling social media (31%) or using a messaging app (29%) while on the stairs. A further 31% admit to leaving items like laundry or parcels on the stairs, despite 40% highlighting it as a perceived hazard and 6% citing this as a direct cause of a fall.

A call for better design & behaviour change

While the data suggests a clear need for individuals to take more responsibility for stair safety, many incidents could be prevented through safer design. Adoption of British Standard 5395-1, currently voluntary in the UK, could reduce the risk of falls on stairs by up to 60%.

Helen Hewitt added: “Staircases are one of the most-used features in our homes, and in busy households, handrails, guarding and other safety features are vital to help prevent slips and trips. For new installations and renovations, staircases must not only meet key regulations and compliance standards but also be designed as a beautiful feature for the home while incorporating essential safety features. These play a key role in protecting people given how we’re now using our staircases – distracted, in a rush and often with hands full.”

The Speak up for Stair Safety campaign calls on construction professionals to embed safe stair design principles into the development process – such as uniform step sizing, appropriate lighting, non-slip surfaces and secure handrails – while encouraging safer stair habits among property owners and residents.

Helen concluded: “Safe staircase design and responsible use are the twin pillars of accident prevention. At the BWF Stair Scheme, we believe stair safety begins with design and manufacturing. With the foundation of safe design and installation, users can be reassured that core safety features, such as handrails and guarding, will provide crucial touchpoints should they be needed to help prevent a trip, slip or fall.”

For further information, visit: https://stairs.bwf.org.uk