Falling Down Stairs: How to Reduce the Risk at Home

43% of Brits fall on stairs at least once a year. For people over 65, a stair fall can be life-changing. Most falls are preventable with simple home modifications — and for many people, a stairlift removes the risk entirely.

Key Takeaways

• Falls on stairs are the leading cause of accidental injury death in the over-65s in the UK
• 43% of all UK adults fall on stairs each year (British Woodworking Federation)
• Poor lighting, no handrail, and slippery surfaces are the top three preventable causes
• Contrasting nosing strips, motion-sensor lighting, and dual handrails cut risk significantly
• A stairlift eliminates stair fall risk entirely for the user — the most effective intervention
• After a fall, do not rush to stand — assess for injury first and call for assistance

How common is falling down stairs in the UK?

Stair falls are far more common than most people realise. The British Woodworking Federation reports that 43% of Brits fall on stairs at least once a year. Whilst younger adults actually fall more frequently, the consequences for older adults are dramatically more serious.

43% of UK adults fall on stairs annually

60% of elderly accident deaths involve falls

1 in 10 over-65s die within a year of a hip fracture

Falls are the most common cause of accidental death in people over 65 in the UK, according to Age UK. A significant proportion of these fatal and serious falls happen on the stairs inside the person's own home.

What causes falling on stairs?

Most stair falls have an identifiable cause — which means most are preventable. Research from the UK Stairlifts resource and fall prevention studies identifies the following primary causes:

How can you reduce the risk of falling down stairs at home?

The following measures are evidence-based and practical for most homes. Implement them in priority order — lighting, handrail, and surface first.

1. Improve stair lighting

Poor lighting is the single most common environmental factor in stair falls. Install a motion-sensor light at the top and bottom of the staircase so it activates automatically at night. Ensure bulbs provide at least 100 lux on the stair treads. Consider a plug-in night light on the landing.

2. Install or repair handrails

A secure handrail on at least one side of the stairs is the most effective passive safety measure. UK Building Regulations (Part K) require a handrail on stairs with more than two risers. For older adults, handrails on both sides are strongly recommended — they allow the user to grip on the way up and control descent on the way down.

Handrails must be at 900–1000mm above the pitch line and extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom steps. If the existing rail is wobbly, have it fixed or replaced.

3. Add contrasting stair nosings

The edge of each step should be visually distinct. Contrasting nosing strips — light on dark, or dark on light — help people with reduced vision identify where each step begins. The UK Building Regulations (Part K/M) require a 55mm contrasting strip on both tread and riser faces for new stairs. Retro-fitting adhesive nosing strips is simple and inexpensive.

4. Address the stair surface

Worn, loose, or repetitively patterned carpet significantly increases fall risk. First Aid for Life notes that repetitive carpet patterns make it harder to judge individual step edges. Replace worn carpet, secure any loose edges, and avoid strongly patterned designs on the treads.

5. Keep stairs clear

Objects left on stairs — even temporarily — are a major fall hazard. Establish a household rule: nothing is stored on the stairs, even briefly. This includes coats, bags, pet toys, or items "waiting to go upstairs".

When is a stairlift the right solution for stair fall risk?

Environmental modifications reduce risk, but they do not eliminate it for people with significant balance or mobility problems. A stairlift is the most effective intervention for preventing stair falls in older adults because it removes the act of walking on the stairs entirely.

Consider a stairlift if:

• The person has already fallen on the stairs, even once
• There is noticeable leg weakness, tremor, or balance difficulty
• The person holds both walls or the rail very tightly when using stairs
• Stairs cause breathlessness or significant effort (see also: are stairlifts expensive to install?)
• Medication causes dizziness or balance side effects

Manchester Stairlifts offers free home surveys with no obligation. Book here.

What should you do immediately after falling down stairs?

Do not rush to get up. The instinct after a fall is to stand immediately, but this can worsen injury. Follow these steps:

1. Stay still for a moment. Breathe. Assess whether you feel pain, numbness, or cannot move a limb.
2. If you cannot get up safely, use a personal alarm, shout for help, or drag yourself to a phone.
3. If there is head pain, loss of consciousness, or inability to bear weight — call 999.
4. If you can get up: roll onto your side, get onto hands and knees, crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture, and use it to push yourself up to standing.

After any fall, even a seemingly minor one, it is worth seeing a GP. Unreported falls can conceal developing conditions such as postural hypotension, labyrinthitis, or the early signs of Parkinson's disease.

Frequently asked questions about falling down stairs

How common is falling down stairs in the UK?

What causes most falls on stairs in elderly people?

Can handrails prevent falls on stairs?

Is a stairlift safer than climbing stairs for older adults?

What is the best lighting for stairs?

Can I get a grant to make my stairs safer?

What if an elderly person is scared to use the stairs after a fall?

Concerned about stair safety for you or a family member?

Get a free quote