Whether you teach teenagers, adults or young children, there are various risk factors you need to keep an eye out for while performing your job duties. Many people think of teaching as a relatively safe occupation, but teachers become hurt in work-related accidents in various ways.
In addition to job-related hazards, it is essential to go over statistics on these injuries in order to understand how widespread they are.
Workplace hazards to watch out for as a teacher
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shares statistics on occupational safety in schools and goes over some of the workplace hazards that teachers face. Although data shows that educators are less likely to suffer work-related injuries in comparison to all other U.S. workers, many suffer debilitating injuries on the job. In fact, more than 36,000 teachers sustained nonfatal injuries that caused them to miss work in 2014.
Some teachers become hurt after slipping or falling down, while others find themselves injured as a result of violence. Contact with objects, transportation accidents and overexertion also account for many workplace injuries involving teachers.
The consequences of a workplace injury
Whether you have to miss work or you struggle to pay hospital bills, a work-related accident could have a negative aspect on many different aspects of your life. The emotional, physical and financial toll of a job-related injury could haunt you for years to come, and you need to take a close look at your options. Depending on the details of your situation, workers’ compensation benefits could help you during your recovery, from assistance with medical expenses to lost wages.