Tips on fall prevention on stairs by Occupational Therapist - complete anti-slip guide

Tips on fall prevention on stairs by Occupational Therapist - complete anti-slip guide

2/03, 2026

Installing anti-slip tape is one of the most effective and cost-effective measures to reduce the risk of falls in the home. Stairs, bathrooms, entrances and balconies quickly become slippery – especially in Nordic climates with rain, snow and temperature changes.

As a licensed healthcare professional and occupational therapist, anti-slip tape is often recommended as a preventative measure to increase safety in everyday life. The right type of anti-slip can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.

What is anti-slip tape?

Anti-slip tape is a self-adhesive tape with a textured surface that creates increased friction between the foot and the surface so that you do not slip and fall. It is applied directly to slippery surfaces such as:

  • Step
  • Ramps
  • Entrances
  • Balcony
  • Garage floor
  • Bathtub and shower

Unlike loose mats, anti-slip tape is firmly attached and does not move under load, making it a stable and long-term solution for fall prevention.

Anti-slip tape for indoor use – safety with preserved aesthetics

For indoor environments, it is important to combine safety with comfort and design.

Anti-slip tape for indoor use has a smooth and soft exterior that allows you to walk barefoot without it feeling rough or uncomfortable underfoot. It is especially appreciated in the home environment where people often move around without shoes.

There are also different color options:

  • Transparent anti-slip tape – for those who want to preserve the aesthetics and natural appearance of the stairs while increasing safety.
  • Black anti-slip tape – for those who want clearer visibility and marking of the edge of the steps.

Both options provide increased friction, but the choice depends on whether you prioritize discreet design or visual highlighting.

Recommended anti-slip for indoors is; Softgrip anti-slip tape. Adapted for indoor climate.

Anti-slip tape for outdoor use – safety in Nordic climates

Outdoors, the demands on the material are much higher. A staircase that is safe in the summer can become downright dangerous when rain, frost or snow settles on the surface. Concrete and wood quickly become slippery, especially in entrances where dirt and moisture are drawn in. Many falls occur around the autumn period when slippery leaves from the trees fall and mix with rain, causing many to slip.

Anti-slip tape for outdoor use is developed to withstand weather changes and higher loads. It has a coarser structure that provides a stable grip even when wearing shoes with hard soles. At the same time, it is water-resistant and designed to maintain its adhesion despite cold and moisture.

It is often used on:

  • Concrete stairs
  • Wooden balconies
  • Entrance stairs
  • Ramps
  • Garage with slope
  • Slippery floor

By installing anti-slip tape outdoors, you significantly reduce the risk of slipping accidents – especially during autumn and winter.

Here you can read more about anti-slip tape for outdoor use and the different models.

Pre-cut anti-slip tapes – easy installation without measuring

For those who want a quick and easy installation, pre-cut anti-slip tapes are available. These are already sized for stair treads and are ready to be applied directly – without the need for measuring or cutting.

This provides several advantages. The installation is smooth and precise, and you avoid the risk of uneven edges. It saves time and allows even those who are not used to DIY to install anti-slip flooring in a professional manner.

Pre-cut anti-slip tapes are particularly practical when several steps need to be secured at the same time or when you want to ensure a uniform result.

Read more: Here you can see examples of finished anti-slip tapes.

Anti-slip tape with contrasting colors – recommended for people with impaired vision

For people with impaired vision, contrast marking is a very important safety measure. When the difference between steps and the surroundings is low, it becomes more difficult to perceive differences in level, which increases the risk of tripping. Anti-slip tape is also available in clear warning colors such as black/yellow and red/white. These combine anti-slip and visual marking in the same product.

Contrasting colors help the brain interpret depth and level differences more quickly. That's why occupational therapists often recommend anti-slip tape with a contrasting color for preventive purposes, especially in homes where someone has impaired vision or balance problems.

Here you can read more about anti-slip tape that is recommended for people with impaired vision and how the correct marking can reduce the risk of falls.

Recommended anti-slip tape from occupational therapist:
Finished Black/yellow ProGrip

ProGrip Red/white anti-slip tape

Luminous anti-slip tape – safety even in the dark

In environments with poor lighting, the risk of falling increases significantly. Basement stairs, summer cottages or power outages can make it difficult to see where the step begins and ends. Luminous anti-slip tape is charged with light and glows in the dark. It marks the edge of the step even when the surroundings are dark, thereby increasing safety at night. It combines visibility and anti-slip in one solution and is particularly useful in spaces where lighting is not always optimal.

Anti-slip tape for bathtub and shower

The bathroom is one of the most accident-prone places in the home. The combination of water, soap and shampoo makes surfaces extremely slippery. Anti-slip tape for bathtubs and showers is adapted for wet environments and provides a stable grip even with wet feet. It is water-resistant and designed to attach to smooth surfaces such as enamel and tiles. Installing anti-slip tape in the shower or bathtub is a simple measure that can significantly reduce the risk of serious fall injuries. At Ramla you will find transparent anti-slip tape for bathrooms that are discreet on the bathroom floor, which results in you maintaining the same aesthetics but with greater safety.
Here you can read more about anti-slip tape for bathrooms and how it increases safety in wet environments.

Anti-slip tape for pets – safer homes for paws too

Slippery stairs don't just affect people. Dogs and cats can slip too, especially on smooth wooden or laminate surfaces. When a pet loses their grip, it can lead to strain injuries or uncertainty in movement. Older dogs are particularly vulnerable. All of our anti-slip tapes at Ramla are not adapted to work for paws and animals. The surface is designed to provide friction without being harmful or uncomfortable. This means that even four-legged family members have better stability on stairs and on slippery surfaces. A safer home is safer for the whole family.

Recommended by an occupational therapist – a preventive investment

Fall prevention is about identifying risk factors before an accident occurs. Anti-slip tape is one of the most effective and easy-to-install measures to reduce the risk of falls in the home.

The:

  • Increases friction
  • Improves visibility
  • Reduces uncertainty in movement
  • Increases security and independence

As a licensed healthcare professional, I see the consequences of falls every day, which is why anti-slip tape is recommended as a simple, effective, and preventative solution in many homes.

Summary – why anti-slip tape is a smart safety measure

Whether it's an indoor staircase, an outdoor staircase, a bathroom, a visually impaired environment or a home with pets, anti-slip tape is a small measure that can make a big difference. By choosing the right type of anti-slip adapted to the environment, you increase safety and reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Home safety is not a cost – it's an investment in safety.

The company Ramla inte AB is an expert in preventive measures and minimizing the risk of falls and slipping. We who work here are licensed healthcare professionals with expertise in fall prevention. Contact us today for free advice.