Common Stair Hazards in Commercial Buildings and How Nosing Solves Them
In commercial buildings, from corporate offices and schools to healthcare and retail facilities, staircases are more than just a means of vertical transport. They’re safety-critical elements that require thoughtful design and specification. For building contractors, understanding common stair-related hazards is essential not only for compliance but also for delivering safe, functional, and long-lasting spaces.
Slips, trips, and falls on stairs are among the most frequent causes of workplace injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) places a strong emphasis on proper stair design and surface treatments to minimise such incidents. One of the most effective yet underappreciated tools in this equation is stair nosing.
That’s where Mafson
, one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of stair nosings, rubber seals, and threshold strips, plays a vital role. With customisable, regulation-compliant solutions, Mafson helps contractors address stair safety at its core, without compromising on visual appeal or installation efficiency.
Let’s examine the most common stair hazards in commercial buildings and how the right nosing can effectively prevent them.
1. Poor Edge Visibility
Lack of tread contrast increases the risk of missteps
One of the biggest risks on stairs is poor visibility of the tread edge, especially in low-light environments or for people with visual impairments. Without clear visual cues, the risk of missteps increases significantly, particularly in large, open spaces like lobbies, corridors, and retail floors.
Specifying these nosings from the outset not only safeguards users but also makes accessibility and compliance a built-in part of your project. Contractors can explore contrast-rich options directly through Mafson,
streamlining both specification and site installation while futureproofing safety performance.
2. Slippery Surfaces
Smooth finishes may look sleek, but they compromise grip
In environments where moisture, dust, or spills are common, such as retail units, staff canteens, and educational buildings, smooth stair surfaces pose a serious hazard. A slip at the top of a stair flight isn’t just a risk to safety, it’s a liability waiting to happen.
Mafson’s anti-slip stair nosings solve this issue with textured inserts or abrasive surfaces that enhance traction, even in high-risk conditions. Whether you're dealing with polished wood, metal, or vinyl-covered steps, you’ll find a solution in Mafson’s product range that improves grip while maintaining visual appeal.
Choosing a slip-resistant nosing helps reduce incidents and can also mitigate insurance claims or compliance-related remedial works. With stair nosings that look good and perform well, your project achieves both form and function.
3. Wear and Tear on Stair Edges
Heavy footfall accelerates degradation of unprotected treads
Over time, the leading edge of each stair tread wears down much faster than the rest of the step. In commercial buildings with high footfall, such as shopping centres, transport hubs, or office towers, this deterioration can create uneven surfaces that increase trip hazards.
Installing a stair nosing from Mafson adds a protective layer that absorbs daily wear from foot traffic, cleaning equipment, and environmental conditions. These durable profiles act as a buffer, preserving the structural integrity of your stairs for years longer than unprotected treads.
What’s more, Mafson’s finishes maintain their sharp appearance under pressure, an important benefit in client-facing spaces like showrooms or hospitality venues where presentation is key.
4. Noise Pollution
Hard stairs amplify sound and undermine acoustic comfort
In open-plan offices, residential-commercial hybrids, or learning environments, noise from stair traffic can quickly become an unwanted distraction. Metal or stone stairs, while durable, can echo with each step and negatively affect workplace comfort or focus.
Mafson offers stair nosings with noise-dampening inserts designed to absorb sound and reduce acoustic transfer. This makes them ideal for projects where occupant experience matters, such as schools, care homes, or coworking spaces.
By incorporating quieter stair solutions early in the design process, contractors can deliver acoustically balanced interiors without relying on expensive post-build interventions.
5. Inconsistent Step Depth or Irregular Geometry
Uneven stairs cause tripping and complicate installation
Older buildings and bespoke architectural designs often feature staircases with irregular dimensions or inconsistent depths. These variations, while sometimes subtle, create noticeable trip hazards and increase frustration for users.
Mafson solves this problem with made-to-measure stair nosings, cut to the exact dimensions of each tread. This ensures a secure, uniform fit across the entire stair run, eliminating unsafe overhangs or underlaps.
For contractors working on heritage refurbishments or custom retail interiors, Mafson’s custom-cut service reduces on-site adjustment time while enhancing finish quality and compliance.
Beyond Nosing: A Complete Fit-Out Solution
Stair safety is just one part of a coordinated finish
Most stair installations are part of broader interior packages involving door transitions, edge trims, and door seals. Managing multiple suppliers for these elements adds complexity to an already time-sensitive build.
Mafson offers a comprehensive range that includes rubber seals, threshold strips, and other compatible accessories, designed to integrate cleanly with its stair nosings. This results in visual consistency, faster installations, and fewer logistical issues on site.
For contractors, this means fewer product handovers and more confidence in delivering cohesive, code-compliant interiors from floor to door.
Build Safer, Smarter Spaces with Mafson
A trusted partner for compliant, high-performance stair solutions
The stair nosings you specify today will shape the safety, longevity, and compliance of the spaces your clients use tomorrow. With Mafson, you’re choosing high-quality profiles backed by technical support, fast UK delivery, and proven expertise in commercial construction.
If you’re still exploring styles or finishes, the StairsNosing website provides visual inspiration and downloadable specs tailored to sectors like education, retail, and office fit-outs. Ideal for both early planning and client presentations.
Ready to make stairs safer, longer-lasting, and fully compliant? Make Mafson part of your specification from day one. It’s one decision that elevates your entire build, step by step.
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Mafson® — Where Safety Meets Strength.
