People with mobility issues don’t, and they shouldn’t. We are conditioned over a lifetime that using stairs are a piece of cake, but when you lose your mobility, things that were easy before, aren’t anymore. The simple addition of a house or building handrail can make life a lot easier for some people and even prevent serious injuries.

Each year, thousands of people injured as a result of slips, trips, and falls on stairways. Handrails provide support and stability while climbing up or down a flight of stairs, walking down a hallway or walkway, or maneuvering in a bathroom. They add a third point of contact, which is essential for older populations and extremely beneficial for the younger population as well.

When used properly handrails can decrease the rate of falls, leading to safer environments. They provide a universal design element that benefits all populations. Ideally, handrails should have a “‘power grip’, which allows the entire hand to grab the rail rather than just the fingers. While most injuries are minor like sprains and strains, some people suffer from fractures or concussions as a result of their fall, making the inclusion of handrails extremely important in preventing both minor and serious injuries