While being a teacher may not appear to be a dangerous profession at first glance, there is the potential for extreme injuries. While schools should naturally take whatever actions are necessary to protect instructors and students against unsafe conditions, anything can happen. Take the recent case of an 11-year-old student who attacked a teacher with a screwdriver.
After an injury, a teacher should bring the wound to the attention of the supervisor. Teachers are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, but they should remain aware of the dangers to adequately avoid them when possible.
Toxic exposure
Schools can contain many toxic substances. For example, schools in older buildings may carry asbestos, and science teachers may become exposed to harmful chemicals. As a result of such exposure, teachers can begin to experience headaches, muscle cramps, skin rashes and other symptoms.
Violence
It is an unfortunate reality that schools are not exempt from the violence that tends to permeate society. Shootings occur on campuses frequently in the country. Aside from shootings, schools are also prone to fights and fires. A teacher may need to intervene to break up a fight between two students and suffer injuries in the process.
Repetitive strain injuries
Performing the same actions every single day can lead to injuries over time. Even standing for extended periods of time can lead to back problems. Writing on papers and on chalkboards can eventually lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Teachers may need to take time off work to deal with such injuries, and worker’s comp can help.
Slip and falls
Every school should have a janitorial staff on the payroll to clean up any messes that occur. However, with so many children running around, it can be difficult for any janitor to adequately take care of every spill. Additionally, people can fall from torn up carpet or on an icy parking lot.