Teachers are the backbone of our educational system. More than providing their students with academic knowledge and social skills, they also serve as mentors, guiding each student toward their own path to success.
However, working at schools also comes with various hazards that put teachers at risk of sustaining injuries or musculoskeletal disorders.
Injuries from slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents are common in school environments, not just for students but for teachers as well. Low lighting, uneven surfaces and wet or waxy floors can all become hazards that lead to accidents.
When this occurs, teachers may suffer from concussions or sustain broken bones that often require several months of rest and recovery.
Severe headaches
Educators often spend long hours creating lesson plans, grading papers and overseeing student activities, which can affect their own health. For instance, prolonged exposure to reading and analyzing academic materials can lead to eye strain, headaches and/or migraine attacks.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
According to a systematic review article published in Frontiers, teachers are susceptible to developing MSDs because of the ergonomic risk factors in their profession. Since their duties involve working for prolonged periods on poor postures and performing repetitive motions of physical labor such as:
- Writing on the board
- Marking exams
- Typing on computers
- Managing administrative tasks
These activities can cause them to develop MSDs in one or several areas of their bodies including the neck, lower back, shoulder, knee, wrist and elbow.
How teachers can seek compensation for their workplace injuries
In California, teachers are covered by their employer’s workers’ comp insurance. This system helps them seek prompt medical care for their workplace injuries while receiving financial support for their medical bills and lost income.
By informing their employers of their accidents within 30 days and filing their claims within California’s one-year statute of limitations, they can avoid delays in the process and receive their compensation within the expected timeline.