Teaching is a noble vocation. Teachers work with students of all ages and backgrounds to help them develop their critical thinking skills and learn about the world around them. Although many people talk about teaching dismissively as though it is a safe and secure job, it is a truly chaotic and unpredictable profession.
Particularly when teachers work with young students, they may have regular exposure to pathogens. Preschoolers and early grade schoolers often do not adhere to appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices. In addition to the heightened risk of exposure to different illnesses, teachers are constantly at risk of traumatic injury as well.
What are the most common safety concerns for many teachers?
Repetitive stress
Teachers often spend many hours performing the same work over and over again. They may stand at a chalkboard or dry-erase board for a good portion of every class. Being on their feet can be hard on their legs, spine and hips. Gripping writing implements or typing can also cause repetitive stress to a teacher’s body. They may eventually develop carpal tunnel syndrome or similar medical issues that relate to repeatedly performing the same functions every day for years.
Falls, including slip-and-falls
Teachers often have a responsibility to decorate their classrooms. They may get up on step stools or ladders to do so. They may also use stools to access books or stored materials. They could fall and potentially get hurt. Teachers could also experience the same-level falls while rushing to the bathroom in between periods or when bringing students in from recess. They could break bones or incur brain injuries when they fall.
Student violence
Students of all ages may become so emotional that they behave irrationally and dangerously in the classroom. Teachers can get hurt breaking up fights between high school students or working with an angry preschooler who cannot master a lesson on tying shoelaces. Physical injuries caused by aggressive students can cause both bodily trauma and psychological damage. Teachers may have a hard time continuing in their chosen professions when the students they work with are the source of their injuries. Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits can help teachers injured in the classroom.
Securing workers’ compensation benefits may require support, especially if a teacher is unfamiliar with the program. Those who have assistance may have a better chance of obtaining benefits after getting hurt on the job.