How handrails and guardrails can prevent slips, trips, and falls in schools

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common causes of injury in schools, accounting for thousands of accidents each year. These incidents not only pose risks to students but also to staff and visitors, leading to disruptions and potential liabilities. So, how can slips, trips, and falls be prevented in schools? 

One of the most effective slip and trip prevention methods, particularly during the harsh winter months, is by installing handrails and guardrails in key areas of the school. In this article, we explore the role of these all-important safety features and provide practical tips for creating a safer school environment.

Key Statistics: Slips, trips, and falls in schools

According to Education Statistics (2023), slips, trips, and fall incidents contribute significantly to non-fatal injuries in schools. An estimated 36,000 workers in the education sector sustained non-fatal injuries annually between 2020 and 2023​, with slips and trips being one of the leading causes. Ensuring safe passage in and around school premises, especially during the winter months, is essential to reducing these numbers.

Why handrails and guardrails are crucial for school safety

Reducing Slips in High-Risk Areas

Handrails and guardrails provide essential support in areas that are prone to slips, such as stairways, ramps, and outdoor walkways. During icy or wet weather, these features can significantly reduce the risk of falls by giving students and staff something to hold onto for stability. 

Preventing Falls from Elevated Surfaces

Guardrails are essential around elevated areas, such as playground platforms or rooftops. By installing sturdy, non-penetrating roof edge guardrails, schools can ensure that maintenance staff or contractors working at height are protected from falls​. These systems help prevent accidents whilst also preserving the roof’s integrity, which is particularly important in older school buildings where roof penetrations may cause leaks.

Safeguarding Against Winter Hazards

In winter, schools must contend with snow and ice, which can make surfaces treacherous. Handrails become even more critical in these harsh conditions, particularly on slopes, stairs and paths where the risk of slipping is higher. Schools can also install guardrails to help with roof maintenance tasks which pose increased risks of accidents during the winter months.

The benefits of installing handrails and guardrails in schools

Investing in high-quality handrails and guardrails, like those provided by Ezi Klamp, is not just a short-term safety solution. It also has several long-term benefits, including:

• Reduced injuries: By installing handrails and guardrails, schools can significantly reduce the number of slip-and-trip-related accidents, protecting students, staff, and visitors alike.
• Compliance with regulations: Installing handrails that comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Part M of the Building Regulations ensures that your school meets all relevant health and safety standards, avoiding potential legal issues​.
• Enhanced accessibility: Properly installed handrails make schools more accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities – ensuring equal access to all areas of the school.

How to maximise safety in your school with handrails and guardrails

Strategically Place Your Handrails

Handrails should be installed along all staircases, ramps, and outdoor pathways where there is an incline. These areas are more prone to accidents, especially when surfaces become slippery in winter. Handrails offer critical support, helping to prevent slips in wet or icy conditions. Ezi Klamp’s range of DDA-compliant handrails is specifically designed to provide stability and accessibility for all users, including those with mobility challenges​.

Leverage Guardrails for Pathway Safety

Schools can use guardrails to direct foot traffic towards safer, designated pathways to prevent slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces. This not only improves safety but also helps to protect the grounds from wear and tear. Additionally, guardrails can also serve as a visual guide, helping individuals avoid potentially hazardous areas.

Utilise Non-Slip Surface Enhancements

For outdoor walkways, installing non-slip flooring is a key safety measure, alongside handrails and guardrails. Schools can use anti-slip coatings or materials on ramps, stairs, and high-traffic areas to improve slip resistance in wet conditions. For restricted areas like roof spaces, GRP grating is a durable, slip-resistant solution, enabling maintenance teams to carry out duties on rooftops safely. Combining non-slip surfaces with sturdy handrails provides strong protection against slips and trips.

Complete Regular Gritting in the Winter Months

Regularly applying grit to pathways and steps can reduce the hazardous build-up of ice, preventing slips, trips, and falls in winter. Handrails, particularly on stairways and ramps, provide additional support in icy conditions, helping students and staff maintain their balance​.

Prevent slips, trips, and falls in your school with Ezi Klamp’s handrails and guardrails

Handrails and guardrails play a vital role in mitigating trip and fall hazards in schools, particularly during the winter months. Whether installed along staircases, ramps, or outdoor pathways, these safety features provide essential support and reduce the likelihood of accidents. 

Ezi Klamp supplies a wide range of DDA-compliant handrails and guardrail systems that are specifically designed to protect students, staff, and visitors from potential tripping hazards. All our handrails and guardrails comply with the latest relevant safety standards, including BS EN 13374:2013; providing schools with durable, long-lasting solutions.

For more information on how to improve safety in your school, please contact our expert team today. We would be happy to assist you in choosing the right solution for your facility.