How to Make Outdoor Steps Safer in Wet Weather
- Jun 29
- 6 min read
Outdoor steps present one of the most common slip hazards in the UK. From stadiums and transport hubs to schools, commercial premises and public buildings, wet weather can quickly transform a safe staircase into a significant safety risk.
Rain, frost, moss growth, fallen leaves and general wear can all reduce grip underfoot, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips and falls. For property owners, facilities managers and duty holders, the consequences can be serious, ranging from minor injuries and operational disruption to insurance claims and reputational damage.
The good news is that most wet-weather stair accidents are preventable. By understanding the causes of slip risks and implementing the right safety measures, organisations can significantly improve safety while ensuring compliance with accessibility and health and safety requirements.
At Thermapply, we specialise in engineered anti-slip solutions for some of the UK's most demanding environments, including major stadiums, airports, industrial facilities and public venues. Our experience has shown that effective stair safety requires more than simply adding grip tape or applying a temporary coating. Long-term safety depends on choosing solutions that continue performing year after year, regardless of weather conditions.
Why Outdoor Steps Become Dangerous in Wet Weather
When water accumulates on a stair surface, friction between footwear and the step is reduced.
This issue becomes more pronounced on worn concrete, smooth stone, painted surfaces or metal stairs that lack sufficient slip resistance. In many cases, the original stair construction may have met safety requirements when installed but has gradually deteriorated through years of use and weather exposure.
The UK's climate creates additional challenges. Frequent rainfall, freezing temperatures, algae growth and seasonal debris can all contribute to reduced grip levels.
High-footfall locations face an even greater challenge because constant use gradually polishes surfaces, making them increasingly slippery over time.
The result is a hazard that often develops gradually and may not be immediately obvious until an accident occurs.
Understanding the Real Cost of Slip Accidents
Many organisations focus on stair safety only after an incident has taken place.
However, slips and falls often carry costs far beyond immediate injury.
An accident can result in:
Employee absence
Public liability claims
Increased insurance costs
Regulatory scrutiny
Negative publicity
Damage to organisational reputation
For venues welcoming large numbers of visitors, maintaining safe access routes is therefore both a safety requirement and a business necessity.
This is particularly true in environments where visitors may be carrying bags, navigating crowds or moving quickly between locations.
Conducting a Stair Safety Assessment
The first step towards improving safety is understanding where risks exist.
A thorough stair assessment should examine surface condition, drainage performance, visibility, lighting levels and existing slip resistance.
Particular attention should be paid to:
Step nosings
Stair edges
Landings
High-traffic access routes
Areas exposed to weather
Signs of wear, smoothing, cracking or water pooling should be investigated promptly.
Regular inspections help identify hazards before they become serious safety issues.
Improving Drainage Around Steps
Water management plays a critical role in stair safety.
Even the most slip-resistant surface can become hazardous if standing water is allowed to accumulate.
Effective drainage solutions help prevent water from collecting on stair treads and landings. This may involve improving surrounding drainage infrastructure, correcting surface gradients or ensuring gullies and drainage channels remain clear.
Facilities managers should also consider nearby landscaping, as vegetation and debris can contribute to drainage problems during autumn and winter months.
Reducing water accumulation is often one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve safety.
The Limitations of Traditional Anti-Slip Products
Many organisations initially turn to anti-slip tapes or surface coatings when addressing stair safety concerns.
While these products can provide short-term improvements, they often struggle to deliver long-term performance in exposed environments.
Adhesive tapes may peel, crack or detach over time, particularly where heavy foot traffic is present. Surface coatings can wear away, requiring ongoing maintenance and reapplication.
In high-use environments, these solutions frequently become a recurring maintenance issue rather than a permanent safety improvement.
For organisations seeking long-term risk reduction, more durable engineered systems often provide significantly better value.
Why Engineered Anti-Slip Stair Systems Deliver Better Results
Purpose-designed anti-slip stair systems are specifically developed to address the challenges of outdoor environments.
Rather than relying on temporary surface treatments, these systems create a permanent anti-slip profile that maintains performance in wet and dry conditions.
At Thermapply, our patented Thermagrip system was developed specifically to provide long-term stair safety in high-footfall environments.
The system combines durable anti-slip surfaces with high-visibility step nosings, creating safer access routes while improving step definition and visibility.
Unlike temporary solutions, engineered anti-slip systems are designed to withstand years of use without significant degradation in performance.
This is particularly important in locations where public safety and accessibility are critical considerations.
Real-World Example: Scottish Gas Murrayfield
One of the most demanding environments for stair safety is a major sports stadium.
At Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Thermagrip was installed across multiple key areas, including the Royal Box, player access routes and spectator steps.
The objective was to enhance safety, improve accessibility and create a more durable solution capable of withstanding intensive use.
Following completion, Gerry Devine, Head of Stadium Operations at Scottish Rugby, commented:
"The safety and comfort of every supporter who comes through our gates is our top priority. Installing the Thermagrip system allowed us to enhance accessibility and protection across key areas, from the Royal Box to the public stands, whilst also enhancing the look and feel of the stadium. Their attention to detail and understanding of the fan experience were exceptional, resulting in a system that performs beautifully and keeps everyone moving safely, no matter the conditions."
This project highlights the importance of choosing solutions that continue performing reliably regardless of weather or visitor numbers.
Improving Visibility as Well as Grip
Many stair accidents occur not solely because of inadequate grip, but because users struggle to clearly identify step edges.
Poor visibility can increase the likelihood of missteps, particularly during adverse weather, low-light conditions or crowded situations.
High-contrast step nosings help define stair edges, making it easier for users to navigate safely.
This is especially important for older visitors, visually impaired users and busy public environments where attention may be focused elsewhere.
Combining anti-slip performance with improved visibility creates a significantly safer staircase.
Meeting Accessibility Requirements
Modern stair safety solutions should support accessibility as well as slip resistance.
DDA-compliant stair systems help ensure that public spaces remain accessible to all users while meeting relevant regulatory requirements.
Features such as colour contrast, step definition and durable anti-slip surfaces all contribute to creating safer, more inclusive environments.
For many organisations, accessibility improvements form an important part of wider risk management and compliance strategies.
Case Study: Barclays Hampden
A recent project at Barclays Hampden demonstrates how safety and aesthetics can work together.
Thermapply completed a major installation across hundreds of steps on key stadium access routes used by thousands of supporters.
The project was designed not only to improve grip performance but also to enhance accessibility and create a visually consistent finish throughout the venue.
Garry Blackadder, Project Manager for the Scottish FA, commented:
"Enhancing the steps with the Thermagrip system has allowed us to significantly improve safety and accessibility for our visitors while maintaining the look and feel befitting Scotland's national stadium. The result is a durable, high-performance solution that supports our ongoing commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone who comes to Barclays Hampden."
The project demonstrates how modern anti-slip systems can improve safety without compromising the appearance of a venue.
Ongoing Maintenance Remains Essential
Even the most advanced anti-slip systems benefit from routine inspection and maintenance.
Regular cleaning helps remove debris, algae and contaminants that can reduce surface effectiveness. Drainage systems should be checked periodically, particularly before autumn and winter.
A proactive maintenance programme helps ensure that stair safety investments continue delivering maximum value throughout their lifespan.
Creating Safer Outdoor Steps for the Long Term
Outdoor stair safety should never be treated as a seasonal concern.
In the UK, wet weather can occur throughout the year, making slip resistance an ongoing requirement rather than a temporary issue.
By assessing existing risks, improving drainage, enhancing visibility and investing in durable anti-slip systems, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents while improving accessibility and user confidence.
At Thermapply, we've helped organisations across the UK improve stair safety in some of the country's busiest and most challenging environments, from national stadiums and airports to industrial facilities and public spaces.
The most effective solutions are those designed not just to address today's hazards, but to continue protecting people for years to come, whatever the weather.