Stairs are the place where most deaths and serious injuries happen in the home.
Elderly people are most at risk of hurting themselves on stairs and more than 100,000 are treated for injuries every year. Of these, more than half end up in hospital with serious injuries. Studies suggest that impaired vision, reduced strength and poor balance puts many elderly people at particular risk. The figures were released to coincide with a new Government campaign to improve safety in the home. The Department of Trade and Industry and Health Promotion England are backing the campaign which aims to highlight risks and save lives.