An analysis of the behavior of stair users

The science behind codes and standards for safe walkways: Changes in level, stairways, stair handrails and slip resistance

“…Archea et al (1979) report that one of the most prevalent stair fall scenarios involves tripping over or stepping past one-and tworiser stairs and encroachments. Templer et al (1978) report that, in addition to other factors, more missteps were observed to occur on shorter flights than on longer ones.…”

Prevention of falls during stairway descent in older adults

“…In Sweden, 76 percent of falls in stairway occur on the way down (Svänstö rm, 1974). Some possible causes of stairway falls include the lack of capability of perceiving the last step coming due to insufficient lighting (Simoneau et al, 1992;Patla et al, 1993), increased velocity during the descent (Buckley et al, 2005), declined ability of performing multitasks concurrently (Chen et al,1996), and changes of gait just before the landing which is regarded as a transition phase (Templer et al, 1978).…”

The Soft Stair: Falls Induced by a Laboratory Stair

“…From several studies (Svanstrom, 1973;Templer, 1978Templer, ,1989Carson, 1978;and Archea, 1979), the main conditions that cause a loss of balance on stairs are as follows: The laboratory stair can be activated to generate conditions that replicate most of these conditions. For example, the front of any tread can be set to collapse when walked on to simulate A2 or B2.…”