Ensuring accessibility and safe egress: Particularly sites with no lifts or ramps

Emma Persey, Co-Founder of The Stair Climbing Company with expert advice on accessibility solutions that help facilities managers create inclusive environments

As someone who works closely with businesses on workplace accessibility and emergency planning, I see the same challenges come up time and time again. Many companies want to be inclusive, but they don’t always know where to start or what’s required of them.

Making sure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can move around a building easily and evacuate safely in an emergency isn’t just about following the law, it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and safe.

ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

A lot of older buildings, especially historic ones, weren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Businesses often struggle to find practical solutions, especially when a lift isn’t an option due to cost, space, or the impact on the building’s appearance. This can make it difficult for employees and visitors with disabilities to navigate spaces comfortably, and in some cases, they might even avoid visiting altogether.

I’ve spoken to so many people who spend hours planning their journeys just to make sure they won’t face unexpected obstacles, and when there’s not enough clear information about access, they often have to abandon their plans entirely. This is why businesses must take a proactive approach, making sure access points are easy to find and clearly communicated.

EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS

Emergency evacuations are another big concern. Most standard evacuation plans assume that everyone can use stairs, but this isn’t the case for a lot of people. If a lift is out of service or unsafe to use during an emergency, what happens then? This is why having a proper contingency plan in place is so important. In single-lift buildings, for example, businesses need to consider alternative solutions, like specially designed evacuation chairs or stair-climbing devices, to make sure no one is left behind in an emergency. This isn’t just about accessibility; it’s about safety for everyone.

REGULATORY REFORM

Businesses also have a legal duty to get this right. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every person in a building must have a safe way to escape in the event of a fire. The order places a legal duty on the “Responsible Person,” usually the owner, landlord or facilities manager to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of individuals in the event of a fire.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (now part of the Equality Act 2010) further reinforces this requirement, making it a legal obligation to prevent discrimination against disabled people in relation to fire safety.

While individuals with authority in the building are responsible for ensuring fire safety, including the evacuation of all occupants, it’s also important to ensure that every occupant of the building is familiar with the rules.

It’s not enough to assume people will figure it out when the time comes. Staff need to know the procedures and practice them regularly, and it’s the responsibility of building managers and employers to make sure the right infrastructure and support are in place.

ACCESS AUDIT

One of the best ways to identify potential issues is through an access audit. These audits help businesses spot barriers and find solutions, whether that’s improving entrance accessibility, updating emergency plans, or considering alternative evacuation methods. When businesses are working with historic properties, modifications can feel tricky, but there are often practical solutions that don’t compromise the building’s integrity. Temporary ramps or portable stair-climbing aids, for example, can be a great way to improve access without making permanent changes.

BENEFITS TO BUSINESS

Beyond legal compliance, improving accessibility has real benefits for businesses. An inclusive workplace is a more positive, productive one, where employees feel valued and engaged. When considering employment opportunities, a person with a disability will consider the workplace accessibility prior to application, improved accessibility will attract a greater diversity of candidates. It also reflects well on a company’s commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, which are becoming increasingly important to investors and stakeholders.

There’s also a financial impact, businesses that offer clear, accessible solutions are more likely to attract a wider customer base, particularly in the visitor economy, where accessibility plays a major role in whether people choose to visit or not.

At the end of the day, making workplaces accessible isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about making sure no one is excluded. Whether it’s ensuring easy entry, providing clear information, or having the right evacuation plans in place, these steps make a real difference to people’s lives. Organisations that take accessibility seriously aren’t just following the law, they’re creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.