Most hospitalised injuries in Australia result from falls, which are also major factors in injury fatalities. Fall-related injuries accounted for 40 per cent of injury deaths and 42 per cent of hospitalisations in 2019–2020.

Therefore, falls being one of the main safety concerns for schools shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Importance of Handrails and Balustrades

As any parent knows, keeping children safe is a top priority. One way to help ensure school safety is to install handrails and balustrades. 

Handrails provide support and can prevent falls, while balustrades can help prevent children from climbing over and falling from heights. Installing handrails and balustrades is a simple and effective way to help make schools safer for everyone.

Typically bustling settings, with staff and students rushing from class to class, crowded hallways, and a high degree of excitement. 

This is even before you consider the fact that the ground is frequently strewn with hazards like spilt beverages, bags, and unattended food packs.

The welfare of all present is a key consideration, from nurseries with young toddlers wobbly on their legs to the bustle of primary schools, high schools, and further education settings. 

Therefore, what better place to start when looking to improve safety than by paying more attention to the major footfall areas, such as stairs, steps, walkways, and ramps?

The sections below present useful changes administrators can make to reduce falls in schools.

Improve Handrails

Handrails are essential in a school setting because they provide users with assistance and direction. Continuous handrails are essential on both sides of the stairs and at landings. Wherever practicable, it is also advised to instal a second rail at a lower height.

Even while a handrail is not legally needed for staircases with fewer than three steps, it is still a good idea to instal one if you want to ensure maximum safety.

Invest in Glass Balustrades

Glass balustrades are a great option for settings with young children who can squeeze through narrow openings or a school with older, rowdier students.

They not only provide a fully safe barrier with no hazardous gaps or footholds that could encourage climbing, but they also have a sleek, contemporary appearance. Additionally, they are very resilient, simple to maintain, and difficult to vandalise.

Boost Stairways

Are the stairs uneven and well-worn from frequent use? Are they also slippery? The addition of step covers is a practical and reasonably simple fix. 

They are a terrific way to level the surface and improve traction underfoot and can be fitted to almost any step’s surface.

Include a Canopy

Do kids go dripping to class on rainy days, creating a potentially dangerous water trail behind them? Increase outside shelter, especially at main entrances, to combat this. 

A canopy improves student protection and provides a place outside to shake off wet coats and umbrellas before going inside.

Conclusion

Handrails and balustrades are an important safety feature in schools. They can help prevent injuries by providing support and stability for students. By installing handrails and balustrades in schools, administrators can make them safer for everyone.

If your school is looking for dependable balustrade suppliers in Perth, Aussie Balustrading and Stairs is the company for you. 

We provide steel and stainless steel stairs, wireless balustrading, glass pool fencing, residential handrails, and commercial handrails. Call us today to learn more.