When you have steps that don't have handrails, you can be putting everyone who goes up and down those steps at risk, including yourself. You can learn more here about the importance of handrails for your business's steps in this article. You can also read other information that can help you understand why you should have them installed. Here's more on this:
Steps can be disorienting
When someone is going up and down steps that don't have handrails, it can be disorienting. This can cause them to feel dizzy or off-balance, and they can end up falling. This can happen even when there are only a few steps. Installing a handrail along those steps can prevent accidents that would have happened due to that disorientation. Young children can get distracted when they are going up and down stairs, and it can be easy for them to fall right off them. Also, children won't have the same ability to determine how close to the edge is too close, so this can be another way they can fall when there isn't a handrail.
Sometimes a break is needed when going up a lot of steps
You may have a lot of steps leading up to your business. If this is the case, then some people may end up getting winded on the way up to the business. If there isn't a handrail, then this can present a dangerous situation. The person can have a hard time sitting down on the steps to take a break. Also, when they go to stand back up, there won't be a rail there to help them.
Handrails will help you to stay ADA compliant
When you own a business, you need to make sure you take the appropriate steps to remain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. This means that you have had things done around your business to make it a safer and more comfortable place for those with disabilities. You'll need to have a handrail on the steps, so people who have disabilities will be offered safe steps to go up and down. Some people also have a condition known as vestibular balance disorder, and they will have an increased chance of falling on stairs that don't have railings. Other people may have mobility issues, such as lower back or leg problems, and the railings help them to remain steady on their feet as they climb the stairs.
Contact a local contractor to learn more about installing outdoor step handrails.