WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the impact of design choices in steps, stairs, ramps, and flooring on workplace safety. Here are insights into design considerations and strategies for minimizing risks and ensuring safety:

Identify High-Risk Areas WorkCover Queensland directs attention to areas with elevated injury rates from slips, trips, and falls, requiring careful assessment:

• Entrances from outside and foyer areas
• Wet areas and surfaces with high contaminants
• Steps, stairs, and ramps
• Thresholds between areas
• Areas used by individuals with a higher risk due to age, health, or mobility restrictions.

Evaluate Key Design Features In high-risk areas, focus on assessing specific design features:

• Steps and stairs with consistent size, proper riser (height), and tread depth, visible and non-slip nosing, adequate lighting, and handrails.
• Ramps featuring a gentle slope, clear markings, handrails, proper lighting, and toe boards or kickboards when necessary.
• Flooring and ground surfaces with slip-resistant properties, particularly in wet areas and locations prone to contaminants.

Implement Control Measures WorkCover Queensland outlines design features that effectively reduce slips, trips, and falls:

• Well-designed steps and stairs with consistent dimensions, clear and non-slip nosing, suitable railings, and continuous handrails.
• Properly designed ramps with a gradual slope, clear start and finish markings, continuous handrails, and toe boards or kickboards as needed.
• Carefully selected flooring considering slip resistance, trip avoidance, abrasion resistance, cleanability, permeability, and structural integrity.
• Additional design changes such as recessing structural trip hazards, logical work flow design, suitable workstation spaces, and adequate storage to minimize floor clutter.

For detailed guidance, WorkCover Queensland recommends referring to relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS 1657 & 1428), seeking assistance from flooring suppliers, and consulting resources like the 'Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces.' These considerations ensure a holistic approach to design, contributing to a safer workplace environment.