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We use stairs everyday without thinking about the potential for mishaps. Falling and tripping, particularly on the stairs, is one of the leading causes of accidents in the home. The best way to prevent accidents on stairs is with a handrail or banister. Since it’s National Safety Month, now is the perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of handrails.
It goes without saying that handrails are an important component of any staircase, be it a grand spiral stairway at the center of a home or a simple porch staircase that leads you down to the backyard. Stair railings, however, are more than just ornamental and decorative in nature. They are there to provide stability and support as you walk up or down the stairs. The handrail is there to provide support and balance for young and old alike.
If you find a handrail in your home has any pull or give, it should be repaired immediately. If a handrail is loose, then generally tightening the screws or bolts attaching it to the wall should fix the problem. If it is coming detached from the wall or if the screws are stripped, you may have to reattach it in a different spot or replace the entire railing. Replacing the entire handrail will also be necessary if the railing breaks or fractures for any reason. If you are repairing a wobbly outdoor staircase where the handrail is affixed to the ground, it may be necessary to use concrete to fix the railing into the ground more firmly.
Finally, it is very important that once the handrail is in place, that everyone in the family uses it. Talk to your children about the potential for accidents and instill in them the need for holding on to the handrail. Children will follow your lead, if they see you using the handrail, they will too. Everyone can benefit from using a handrail to ensure that they stay safe this National Safety Month!
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