Product Overview

Summary: This Stairway Navigation Safety Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for using stairways safely in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control one of the most common causes of workplace injury—slips, trips and falls on stairs—by standardising how workers, visitors and contractors move between levels and handle loads on stairways.

Slips, trips and falls on stairs are a leading cause of workplace injuries across offices, warehouses, construction sites, healthcare facilities and retail environments in Australia. This Stairway Navigation Safety SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for how workers and visitors should safely use both internal and external stairways, including when carrying items, navigating crowded stairwells, or moving during emergencies. It translates WHS obligations into everyday behaviours that are easy to understand, train and enforce.

The procedure covers the full lifecycle of stairway use: from pre-use checks (lighting, obstructions, spills, damaged treads or handrails) through to safe ascent and descent techniques, managing loads, traffic flow, and what to do if an incident or near miss occurs. It also supports PCBUs and officers to demonstrate due diligence by documenting the controls they have in place for stair-related risks, aligning with relevant Australian Standards and WHS legislation. By implementing this SOP, organisations can significantly reduce preventable falls, improve accessibility and inclusiveness, and create a visibly safer environment for staff, contractors, clients and the public.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slips, trips and falls on stairs by standardising safe navigation practices across the workplace.
• Ensure compliance with WHS obligations by documenting clear control measures for stairway-related risks.
• Improve worker awareness and behaviour through consistent training, signage and reinforcement of safe stair use.
• Support inclusive access by addressing visibility, handrail use, load handling and mobility considerations.
• Provide defensible evidence of risk management in the event of an incident investigation or regulatory inspection.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Facilities Managers
• Office Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Warehouse and Logistics Supervisors
• Construction Site Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Managers
• Education Facility Managers
• Retail Store Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Slips on wet, oily or contaminated stair treads
• Trips caused by clutter, loose items or damaged stair surfaces
• Falls from missed steps, rushing or distraction while using stairs
• Falls while carrying loads that obstruct vision or compromise balance
• Collisions on stairs due to poor traffic management or crowding
• Injuries from inadequate or poorly used handrails
• Reduced visibility due to poor lighting or visual contrast on stair edges
• Manual handling strains from unsafe carrying techniques on stairs
• Exacerbated risk for workers or visitors with reduced mobility or temporary impairment

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Areas
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Hazard Identification – Stairways and Landings
• 5.0 Pre-use Stairway Inspection and Housekeeping Requirements
• 6.0 Safe Stairway Navigation – General Rules
• 7.0 Safe Ascent and Descent Techniques
• 8.0 Carrying Objects and Manual Handling on Stairs
• 9.0 Managing Traffic Flow and Crowded Stairways
• 10.0 Use of Handrails, Mobility Aids and Accessibility Considerations
• 11.0 Environmental Controls – Lighting, Signage and Surface Treatments
• 12.0 Prohibited Behaviours on Stairways
• 13.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Communication
• 15.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 References and Related Documents

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS 1657:2018 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 1428.1:2021 – Design for access and mobility – General requirements for access – New building work