43% of Brits fall on the stairs each year, with younger adults at highest risk

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

• Almost half of UK adults have slipped, tripped or fallen on the stairs in the last 12 months
• Nearly a third of accidents were linked to broken safety features and poor maintenance
• The majority of people acknowledge that device use increases the risk of falls, yet nearly a third admit to scrolling social media or using a messaging app on the stairs

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 today by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).

The findings highlight an often-overlooked risk in the home: 60% of those who had experienced a trip, slip or fall said it happened in their own property, highlighting the need for better 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 clear 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.”

The need for regular stair maintenance was also highlighted by nearly a third of accidents (32%) stated to be linked to broken safety features and poor maintenance, with the top five hazards cited as:

• slippery surfaces (40%)
• poor lighting (32%)
• items on the stairs (29%)
• uneven steps (26%)
• lack of handrails (23%)

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

Modern lifestyles leave young adults at risk

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

However, while younger people are having accidents more often, the older population faces a greater risk of fatal injury from a fall on the stairs. With more than 850 deaths of those aged 65+ in 2023 were caused by ‘fall on and from stairs and steps’ according to ONS data[1].

Lifestyle factors such as rushing (25%), carrying items (10%) and digital distractions such as phone use (5%) may be contributing to this increased risk for younger people – even if the resulting impact of a slip, trip or fall is not as serious as those faced 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. Added to this nearly a third (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 cause of a fall.

It’s clear that knowledge of risks and hazards is not translating to behaviour change, highlighting a need for broad awareness and greater education to drive home the real danger that trips, slips and falls on stairs present. In fact, a 2024 RoSPA report[2] stated that accidents are becoming the top cause of preventable death for people under 40, and almost half (46%) of accidental deaths in 2022 resulted from falls.

A call for better design and behaviour change

While the data suggests a clear need for individuals to take more responsibility for their own stair safety, many of these incidents could be avoided by making stairs safer by design. For example, adoption of British Standard 5395-1, currently voluntary in the UK, could reduce the risk of falls on stairs by up to 60%[3].

“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,” adds Helen.

“For all new installations and renovations, staircases need to not only meet key regulations and compliance standards, but they also need to be designed as a beautiful feature for the home while incorporating essential safety features. These play a key role in protecting people due to 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 practice and behaviours for property owners and residents.

Helen added:

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

[1] Mortality statistics – underlying cause, sex and age – Nomis – Official Census and Labour Market Statistics – ICD-10 code W10 used for falls from stairs and steps.

[2] National Accident Prevention Strategy FULL Report V2 by RoSPA – Flipsnack

[3] RoSPA- Safer Stairs Campaign | RoSPA’s effort to prevent falls on stairs