When it comes to back-to-school safety, students typically receive the bulk of the attention as they are often walking to school and riding their bicycles.
But what about the teachers and staff who educate, train and protect millions of students every day? It may seem less obvious, but these hard-working individuals are at risk for various catastrophic injuries. In the spirit of Labor Day and the start of a new school year, we will discuss the common accidents among teachers in North Georgia and Tennessee and tips to avoid these situations.
Classroom Injuries in North Georgia and TN
Teachers in the U.S. can sustain a variety of injuries, often related to the physical and psychological demands of their job. Some of the most common classroom injuries and accidents include:
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Back and Neck Strain. Teachers often spend long hours standing, bending, or lifting heavy objects like books or equipment, leading to back and neck strain.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs). Grading papers, using computers, and other repetitive tasks can lead to RSIs, including carpal tunnel syndrome.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Classroom Accidents. Teachers can slip, fall or trip on uneven surfaces, wet floors, or objects left on the ground, leading to sprains, fractures, or contusions.
Student-Related Incidents
Violence and Aggression. Teachers may suffer injuries due to physical altercations with students, particularly in schools with higher rates of behavioral issues.
Other Accidental Injuries. Teachers can also be accidentally injured by students during routine classroom activities or during physical education classes.
Teachers are often asked to do more than what’s on their schedule. This can include lifting and carrying heavy loads and ascending ladders and chairs to decorate or clean classrooms. These seemingly menial requests can lead to many of the injuries mentioned above.
How GA & TN Teachers Can Avoid Classroom Injuries
These injuries underscore the need for effective safety protocols, ergonomic interventions, and support systems for teachers to reduce the risk of catastrophic injury. Schools and districts are responsible for providing safe environments for everyone, but teachers may need to take special initiative to avoid injuries. Some ways to avoid injury risk include:
Classroom Furniture and Layout
Ergonomic furniture, such as chairs, desks, and computer setups reduce strain on backs, necks, and wrists. Adjustable furniture can accommodate teachers of different heights and to allow for comfortable standing or sitting while teaching.
Proper technology setup ensures that computers and other tech devices are placed ergonomically to prevent strain from prolonged use.
Clear pathways and arrange classroom furniture to create clear pathways, minimizing the risk of trips and falls.
Task Management
Limit heavy lifting by keeping carts nearby. This will minimize the need to lift heavy objects. Teachers can also arrange for custodial staff to handle tasks involving moving large or weighty items.
Take breaks to stretch and move, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Teachers should also consult their unions to distinguish what breaks and benefits they are entitled to.
Though schools should be safe places to work and learn, so much of the onus will be on teachers to ensure such an environment. Whether they are walking to or from their school or hanging an inspirational poster, teachers need to remember to protect themselves from harm or injury.
Your GA/TN Personal Injury Lawyer
Teachers can be at high risk for an injury. Filing a claim quickly with a personal injury lawyer in North Georgia or Tennessee will help maximize the value for your physical, mental and property damages.
Pritchard Injury Firm is here to provide the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.