A study conducted by researchers at Purdue University in the United States examined stair safety and found that women face a higher risk of stair falls compared with men, accounting for about four out of five injuries. The findings appeared in the journal PLOS ONE and underscore differences in fall risk between genders.
To gather data, researchers used video surveillance to monitor the movements of roughly 2,400 individuals as they ascended and descended stairways. The study spanned several months and involved careful analysis of the footage. The predominant cause of falls appeared to be momentary lapses in attention and risky behaviors rather than a single, dramatic incident.
Researchers identified a range of behaviors that increased fall risk. These included losing track of foot placement, skipping handrails, wearing high heels, carrying bags or other items that occupy the hands, using a mobile device while on the stairs, jumping between steps, and keeping hands in pockets instead of steadying oneself.
Observations noted that men are more likely to step down with a quick ascent of their feet without looking at their footing, while women were more often seen without gripping a rail, not using safety aids, or traversing stairs with hands full. This pattern of behavior aligns with the overall finding that women represented the majority of stair injuries in the study period.
Experts estimate that around 80 percent of the injuries occurred among women, a statistic linked to multitasking tendencies that can distract attention from footing and balance. The results highlight how everyday actions and choices on stairs contribute to falls, beyond intrinsic balance or strength issues.
In broader context, the discussion around stair safety parallels other public health observations, including how gender-related factors influence risk in other domains. This study adds to a growing body of evidence about how daily tasks can intersect with safety, mobility, and injury prevention in homes and workplaces. The research team emphasizes practical measures to reduce risk, such as mindful stair navigation, the consistent use of handrails, and avoiding the use of stairs when hands are full or attention is divided.
For individuals aiming to reduce fall risk, recommendations include prioritizing stable, distraction-free movement on stairs, keeping hands free to grip rails, selecting footwear with solid, non-slip soles, and avoiding multitasking on stairways. These practical steps can help mitigate the tendency toward risky behavior that the study associates with a higher likelihood of a fall. The discussion also points to the importance of environmental design, such as clear lighting and clearly marked steps, to support safer stair usage. [citation: Purdue University study; PLOS ONE publication]
Overall, the findings contribute to a clearer understanding of how everyday choices influence stair safety. They invite a broader conversation about prevention strategies that can be adopted at home, in offices, and in public spaces to protect people of all ages and genders from preventable injuries. The study underscores the value of awareness, deliberate movement, and simple safety practices as part of daily life, reinforcing the message that safe stairs rely on attentive behavior and practical precautions rather than chance. [citation: Purdue University study; PLOS ONE publication]