Understand fall risks, especially during stair descent
Use handrails and avoid unsafe walking habits
Identify indoor and outdoor stairway hazards
Follow safety practices for ladders and escalators
Stairways are unforgiving; unlike a trip on flat ground, a stumble on a staircase often results in a multi-level tumble. Research supported by NIOSH highlights that your center of gravity shifts forward during descent, making you susceptible to falling outward if your heel catches a "nosing". This course breaks down the mechanics of these falls and the habits required to prevent them.
We focus on the "Stairway Club" rules: keep your hands out of your pockets and maintain at least one hand on the rail at all times. If a load is too large to allow for a free hand or blocks your view of your feet, it is a "no-go"—you must use an elevator or a team lift instead.
Environmental safety is also a priority. Under OSHA 1910.22, employers must keep stairways free of spills, snow, and ice. We teach you to treat lighting outages as "Stop Work" authority moments and to always check the locks on mobile stair systems before climbing. Whether dealing with fixed indoor steps or motorized escalators, the goal is to follow the S.T.E.P. method to stay upright and in the game.
This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.
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team individually with testing
and recordkeeping capabilities.
This is where our brains "switch gears" from flat walking to climbing or vice-versa. We often become complacent and think we are off the stairs before our feet actually are.
This occurs when you keep your hands in your pockets while on stairs. If you trip, you have no way to grab the handrail or break your fall to protect your head.
OSHA requires that stairways be kept clean and free of hazards like snow and ice. Lighting is also critical; if you cannot see the steps, it is a significant safety hazard.
You must always verify that the casters are locked or the "step-down" brake is engaged before climbing. To prevent tipping, keep your belt buckle between the rails.
Be aware of "Handrail Lag," where the rail moves at a different speed than the steps, and the "Comb Plate" at the exit, which can catch loose shoelaces or soft soles.
Disclaimer: This training is designed to provide information on general workplace safety practices and selected OSHA requirements related to stairways and certain mobile stair systems, including 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D (such as 1910.22 Walking-Working Surfaces and 1910.25 Stairways) and, for construction work, 29 CFR 1926.1052. It is for general informational purposes only and does not replace site-specific training, legal advice, or professional safety consultations. You should consult with a qualified safety professional or your supervisor for advice specific to your facility’s unique staircase configurations, environmental hazards, or specialized equipment.