Why Use Rubber Stair Treads?
Rubber stair treads and step mats are one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your stairs safe from accidental slips. Indoor and outdoor stairs alike, it is important to safeguard your steps to keep those you care about safe and out of harm’s way. A couple of the most common factors that may contribute to the dangers of stair include broken or uneven steps and the natural elements. Rubber stair treads and step mats provide ample traction to avoid slipping as well as keeping your stairs free from any unwanted damage. The secret to what makes rubber for stairs the ideal choice for stairway safety lies within the material itself. Rubber is the perfect material for non slip treads because of its high coefficient of friction which gives you better grip and traction with each step. To put it simply, the more you move against the rubber material, the more friction is created to give you better traction. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and, since most non slip treads are made of reclaimed rubber from tires, these rubber stair treads are extremely durable and weatherproof. The durability of rubber stair treads is mirrored in how durable tires are outdoors and in terrain. Rubber is extremely resistant against the natural elements of the environment, the ozone and UV rays which makes it ideal for outdoor stair safety. Here are 2 important reasons for installing rubber stair treads:
Liability
The addition of anti-slip treads to your home or business can help you avoid costly liability issues. Slips and falls in or on privately owned property can become a huge liability issue that may lead to lawsuits or hefty fines. The cost of accidental slips and falls in the workplace not only affects the employee, who is probably injured, but the employer as well who has to face the backlash of a possible liability lawsuit as well as losing an employee for an indefinite amount of time. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, accidental slips and falls that result in injury can lead to substantial costs to both employer and employee. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep your staircases accident free with the addition of non-slip rubber stair treads to avoid liability expenses and consequences, especially in the workplace.
Injury
About fifteen percent of accidental deaths can be attributed to slips, trips and falls making it the second leading cause of accidental deaths behind motor vehicle accidents (osha.gov). Stairs can be more dangerous for children and older adults who may have difficulties getting around. Falls on stairs can cause serious injury that can lead to fatality, especially for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three million older adults are being treated each year for fall injuries with at least 300,000 being hospitalized because of a head or hip injury (cdc.gov). The frustrating part is that most of these falls could have been avoided using the correct safety measures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends using anti-slip treads on all surfaces where slips and falls are likely to occur to prevent these types of accidents from occurring.
Adding an anti-slip tread to each of your steps at home or at your business can prove to be a safety measure that is worth the investment. Not only will these rubber step treads provide safe travels up and down your family stairs at home, they can also prevent accidents in and out of business buildings that can potentially lead to a lawsuit. Not only are rubber anti-slip treads easy to install and maintain, the rubber material of these treads also adds to its durability, even in unforgiving weather conditions. You do not need to sacrifice your home’s décor for safety as these stair treads come in various different designs that can provide extra protection against moisture. Therefore, anti-slip treads are the best option for you to keep you and your family safe!
Click here to check out our article on durable rubber stair treads!
