Fall During Night Patrol in Poorly Lit Stairwell
Stairwells are common areas for slips, trips and falls—especially at night. Poor lighting, uneven steps, and rushed patrols can all combine into serious accidents. According to the HSE, falls from height (which include stair-related falls) account for around 8% of all workplace injuries reported under RIDDOR. Even a “simple” fall down a stairwell can cause fractures, concussions, or long-term absence.
As a security officer, your duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 include taking reasonable care for your own safety and identifying workplace hazards. The SIA Standards of Behaviour also emphasise professional conduct—meaning you must spot and act on risks like poor lighting during patrols.
Tip: Don’t rush through stairwells just to “tick off” a patrol. Safety comes first—because if you fall, you can’t protect anyone.
Step-by-Step: How to Stay Safe on Patrol
Check Before You Move
Pause briefly at the top of the stairwell. Look for hazards like wet steps, clutter, or blown lightbulbs.
If lighting is poor, use your torch to scan the stairs before descending.
Use Handrails
Always keep one hand free for the rail. It’s your first defence if you slip.
Control Your Pace
Walk steadily, especially when tired or carrying equipment. Avoid rushing, even if responding to a call.
Report Defects
Poor lighting, broken steps, or missing rails should be logged immediately with your supervisor or facilities.
Document and Follow Up
Note stairwell hazards in your patrol log and ensure they’re acted upon.
Real-World Example
During a 02:00 patrol in an office block, a security officer descended a dim stairwell. A blown bulb left the bottom steps in darkness. The officer slipped, bruising their leg, and nearly dropped their radio. Afterwards, the officer logged the hazard, and facilities replaced the bulb the next morning.
The simple follow-up prevented further risk, and highlighted the officer’s professionalism in recording the issue, rather than ignoring it.
Consequences of Ignoring Stairwell Hazards
Personal risk: A fall could mean fractures, long recovery, or permanent injury.
Operational risk: A patrol officer injured on shift may leave the site without cover, reducing safety.
Professional risk: Failing to report poor lighting could be seen as negligence, undermining your SIA licence obligations.
Employer risk: Breaches of HSE requirements can lead to fines, investigations, and reputational damage.
Remember: A “small hazard” in a stairwell can spiral into big consequences for you, your employer, and the public.
Managing an Incident if You or a Colleague Falls
Sometimes, even with caution, accidents happen. Knowing how to respond reduces harm and shows professionalism.
Check for injuries: Call for a first aider or emergency services if needed.
Secure the stairwell: Stop others from using it until safe.
Report immediately: Escalate to control, log the hazard, and ensure follow-up.
Example: A colleague slipped on a dark stairwell landing. You radioed for help, blocked access, and guided paramedics in quickly. Your swift actions prevented further accidents.
Tip: Don’t try to “shake it off” if you’re the casualty—report it. Undocumented falls can lead to worse injuries and put your SIA licence at risk.
Working with Facilities and Cleaning Teams
Many stairwell hazards link to maintenance or cleaning. Teamwork ensures hazards don’t return.
Report lighting faults: Escalate blown bulbs or wiring issues to facilities.
Coordinate with cleaners: Wet stairwells must be signed, dried, and monitored.
Check after works: Inspect stairwells post-clean or maintenance to ensure safe access.
Example: You spotted a cleaner mopping a stairwell without warning signs. You intervened, explained the risk, and ensured signage was placed. Later, you logged it for supervisor review.
Tip: Professional collaboration protects everyone—raising hazards isn’t criticism, it’s compliance.
Prevention Through Patrol Habits
Building strong habits ensures safety becomes second nature.
Plan your route: Know stairwells with poor lighting and carry your torch ready.
Stay alert: Tiredness on night patrol increases fall risks—pause and focus before descending.
Think like the public: Even if stairwells are staff-only, treat them with the same care as public areas.
Example: On a 03:00 patrol, you deliberately slowed down before a stairwell you knew had uneven steps, using your torch to double-check. This prevented a potential trip when your boot caught a raised edge.
Tip: Treat every stairwell like a potential hazard zone—because in poor lighting, even small defects can cause big falls.
Key Considerations for Officers
Always carry a working torch and spare batteries on night patrols.
Treat stairwells as high-risk zones—never take shortcuts or skip checks.
Report and escalate lighting defects immediately; don’t assume “someone else will do it.”
Keep your hands free—avoid carrying bulky items down stairs without help.
Tip: Make stairwell checks part of your standard patrol rhythm. A 10-second stop to assess lighting can prevent weeks off work.
Every Step Counts
A fall in a stairwell isn’t about being “clumsy” — it’s about a hazard that could have been prevented. Poor lighting, rushed patrols, or a missed report can turn a routine night into a serious incident.
But here’s the good news: every step you take with care makes a difference. When you slow down, use the handrail, shine your torch, and report faults straight away, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re protecting your team, your site, and the public who trust you.
That’s the mark of a true professional: seeing danger before it becomes disaster.
Tip: Think of each patrol as more than a task — it’s a chance to prove your vigilance and keep everyone one step safer.
