Preventing Slips and Trips in Schools with GRP Safety Solutions
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common accidents in educational settings. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 55% of all accidents in schools, colleges, and universities are caused by slips or trips, with nearly 2,000 incidents recorded last year alone.
Managing this risk is not only essential for student and staff safety but also a legal responsibility for educational institutions. With stairways and steps being major accident hotspots, schools often take advantage of quieter periods, such as summer breaks, to assess premises and implement safety improvements.
If you’re looking for practical ways to reduce slip and trip hazards, the team at HR Kilns explores why schools are particularly prone to these accidents and how simple solutions like GRP stair nosing and step covers can dramatically improve safety.
Why Are Schools Prone to Slips and Trips?
Even though schools are well-regulated environments, they still face a high risk of falls due to several common factors, including:
- Heavy or awkward loads – Staff and students often carry books, bags, and classroom equipment, which can obstruct their vision and affect balance.
- Crowded spaces – Hallways, stairwells, and entranceways experience high foot traffic, increasing the chance of collisions and missteps.
- Running – Students running between classes or in play areas heightens the risk of falls, especially on smooth or wet surfaces.
- Poor lighting – Dimly lit corridors and stairways make it difficult to see steps and obstructions, leading to avoidable accidents.
- Floor contamination – Spilled drinks, dropped food, rainwater, and general litter create slippery surfaces.
- Obstructions – Bags, cables, and classroom materials left in walkways create tripping hazards.
With these risks in mind, let’s explore some effective solutions for reducing slip and trip accidents.
How to Improve Stair and Step Safety in Schools
The good news is that reducing slip and trip risks doesn’t always require major renovations. Schools can implement simple, cost-effective solutions to make steps and stairways safer, including:
1. Raising Awareness
Encouraging students and staff to take responsibility for safety is one of the easiest ways to reduce accidents. Schools should:
- Educate students on common hazards, such as spilled drinks or running in corridors.
- Use safety signage – Simple reminders like “Mind the Step,” “Slippery When Wet,” or “No Running” can help reinforce safe behavior.
- Regular safety briefings – Teachers and staff should discuss safety rules with students and ensure they follow best practices.
2. Installing GRP Stair Nosing
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) stair nosing is a highly effective solution that improves step visibility and provides better grip.
- Enhances traction – Built-in grit creates a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of slipping.
- Fits any surface – Can be installed on existing steps made of concrete, wood, or metal.
- Increases stair durability – Adds a protective layer, preventing excessive wear and tear.
- Quick and easy to install – Retrofitted in minutes with minimal disruption.
3. Using GRP Step Covers
If metal stairs become dangerously slippery when wet, GRP step covers provide an easy way to upgrade them without costly replacements.
- Instant transformation – Converts metal, concrete, steel, or wood stairs into anti-slip surfaces.
- Highly effective grip – A carbon and silicon grit top layer significantly improves traction.
- Better visibility – Some step covers feature luminescent strips to highlight stair edges in low-light conditions.
- Multi-purpose application – GRP stair treads can also be used on access ramps, playgrounds, and other high-risk areas.
Final Thoughts
Schools, colleges, and universities must actively manage slip and trip risks to ensure student and staff safety. While high foot traffic, spills, and poor lighting contribute to accidents, simple preventative measures—like raising awareness, installing GRP stair nosing, and using GRP step covers—can make a huge difference.
With quick installation and long-lasting durability, GRP solutions offer a cost-effective way to create safer learning environments. Don’t wait for accidents to happen—take action today to improve stair and step safety!
