What Injuries Do Teachers And School Staff Face While On The Job?

Educators and other school professionals have unique and important jobs. In addition to the unique job-related challenges they face, school staff should be aware of potential injuries they face as a result of the work they do.

Teacher Injuries

Many teachers consider their work to be a labor of love. However, teachers face a variety of injuries while at work each day. In the classroom, teachers may need to carry heavy textbooks or lift small children. This type of lifting can cause, or worsen, back pain or back injuries.

Crowded classrooms, or spills in the classroom, can easily lead to slip and fall injuries. While many people walk away from these accidents with nothing more than a bruised ego, slipping and falling can cause a number of different types of injuries that may require medical attention.

P.E. teachers and sports coaches may face additional hazards, due to the physical nature of their job. This is especially the case during outdoor sport practices in the hot summer months, when coaches and players alike are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Additionally, coaches who don’t use proper form when conducting exercise or demonstrating an exercise may throw out their backs.

Even the band director isn’t immune from on-the-job injuries. Conducting a band or orchestra using improper form can lead to serious rotator cuff problems that may require physical therapy and surgery to correct.

Bus Driver Injuries

Bus drivers are responsible for bringing students to and from school every day. Driving a bus can lead to the same types of long-term back injuries that truck drivers and other professional drivers face, as a result of sitting for so long.

Additionally, bus drivers may become distracted by students on board, who may yell or start fights with their classmates. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Bus drivers also need to take care to avoid drowsy driving, especially on early morning pick up routes.

Janitorial Staff Injuries

Working as a school janitor can lead to a number of different types of workplace injuries. In addition to facing slip and fall injuries from wet floors or spills, janitors are responsible for handling a variety of cleaning chemicals. When used improperly, these chemicals can cause burns and lung damage.

Janitors are also responsible for cleaning up blood and other bodily fluids that can be found around a school. This puts them at risk for contacting bloodborne pathogens if they do not follow proper OSHA procedures.

Working with a workers’ compensation Attorney

If you’re a school worker who has suffered an injury or illness at work, you don’t need to suffer alone. The experienced Louisiana & Mississippi workers’ compensation attorneys at Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe can help you file for benefits and make sure you receive the medical care you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.