Investigating Passenger Accidents on Station Stairs
First Great Western
Background
On the First Great Western network, the incidents of passenger slips, trips and falls on the stairwells are higher at some stations than others. Internally, steps had been taken to try to reduce these incidents by making adjustments to stair treads and improving signage, but the incidents still occurred. Conversations with the client determined specific hot spots where most of these accidents had happened.
Project
First Great Western commissioned us to undertake a study at one of their London stations where there is a higher number of stairwell accidents. The aim was to understand potential root causes of the problem and to provide relatively simple solutions that could be implemented, to try to reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring.
Implementation
An observation study was conducted at the station during morning and evening peak as well as off peak times. Two consultants observed passenger movement and behaviour as they entered and exited the station, using the ticket barrier and on the main staircase. Attention was also paid to the location and clarity of signage as well as information points. The locations of bottlenecks of pinch points were also noted.
Outcomes
We highlighted potential root causes and suggested the areas where making changes could have a positive impact on the number of accidents. Recommendations related to signage positioning and clarity, location of information screens, general passenger flow through-out the station and the floor surface.