I used to work at the headquarters of an insurance company. When we moved to a new building, there were rumors that the consultants in the loss-reduction department—those are the people whose jobs are to advise policy holders on how to make their buildings safer—were very unhappy that they hadn't been consulted by the architects who designed the new building. They denounced (according to the rumors anyway—I don't think their comments were ever published) several features of the new building, particularly the main stairway that went from the lobby to the upper level. Some things I remember:

1. Hand railings should be made of wood, not metal. Metal is cold to the touch, which causes some people not to use them.
2. Hand railings should be of the right diameter so that you can get a strong grip on them. These hand railings were too large—about 5 or 6 inches in diameter, as I recall.
3. Stairs should never be carpeted. Carpet will eventually wear out and tear, and a torn carpet is a tripping hazard.
4. Stairs should always have risers. (These were open.)

See this diagram: this diagram.

Also, the Scottish building standards seem to be very clear and detailed.