Study and Improvement of Safety on Staircases Through Visual Reinforcement

Ever since humans have started building multi-storied buildings, they have been using staircases frequently. Stairs of all types have been in use since ancient times, and because they are inherently hazardous, people have been falling on them, getting hurt or even killed in the process. An average staircase user is prone to ligament injury more than a man walking on plain ground. The risk increases with the many proportions when combined with a unhygienic steps, situations in which load is being carried, increase in age and when the handrails are not used. With the help of visual reinforcements on the stairs, people can be eventually taught to behave safely on staircase at home and office. It’s a proven fact that visual cues are more effective to be recalled than auditory advises which gets reinforced in the memory every time when the displayed instructions are properly followed and thus helps to form a safe behavior by the process of operant/instrumental conditioning. By displaying safety messages on the riser of the steps and on the wall in front of the steps while coming down 1) To use the hand rails, 2) Not to use the mobile phones on the stairs and 3) Not to stair hop, which pursue the user to use the staircase by understanding the risks involved. The use of phosphorescence marking tapes helps the user to use stairs even in the event of light failure- a vital property needed for an escape route.