- April 2, 2021
Teachers are some of the most important workers but are susceptible to workplace injuries. Even though their jobs seem easier, they do a responsible job teaching and educating students.
In some of the largest Georgia school districts such as Gwinnett County Public Schools, Dekalb County Schools, or Fulton County, there are about 200 000 students.
And while the first assumption is that schools are a safe environment, teachers and school staff and personnel can easily get injured at work.
If you’re a teacher who got injured at work, make sure to contact an Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney.
Common Teacher Injuries in the Classroom
Teachers do repetitive tasks such as computer work. With time they can easily end with an occupational illness such as back issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, but besides that these people may trip and fall and injure their limbs and spine.
Some teachers may even bump on the desks and others may easily fall while trying to hang something.
Slip and fall injuries aren’t uncommon in schools (just like in any workplace). The hallways may easily be dangerous for all school staff as well as for teachers leading to preventable workplace injuries.
But, besides these common workplace injuries, teachers are exposed to the risk of school violence. This could include violence among the students, but also from violence from outsiders who try to enter the school without authorization.
In some older school buildings where toxic substances like asbestos were used during the building, teachers (and everyone else) may suffer occupational illnesses such as deadly cancer mesothelioma.
Schools with poor maintenance may develop mold inside the object which can be very dangerous for teachers who already have preexisting conditions.
Science teachers are exposed to the risk of dangerous chemicals as well.
Slip and Fall Injuries
If you’re a teacher you know that school hallways are crowded places where you can easily trip, slip and fall causing workplace injuries. The traffic in hallways is always high (teachers, students, and parents). The floors with time can wear off and can become slippery even if you walk carefully.
If there are tiles, they can break; carpets can tear and the lighting is poor it can add to low visibility, which can be quite risky.
But, the hallways aren’t the only risky place. Bathrooms and cafeterias may also be problematic.
When you slip and fall you can easily injure your head, neck, spine and break your arms or legs. If the fall is dangerous, your fall may lead to a traumatic brain injury.
Toxic Chemicals and Substances
In the past, the objects were built with asbestos among other materials. Back in the day people didn’t know that it was harmful. Today we know that it’s toxic and a reason for mesothelioma.
Besides asbestos, the object may be poorly maintained, so the inside could have mold which can make it difficult to breathe. Teachers may suffer headaches, rashes, or other illnesses because of the poor environment.
If that is the case with you you should seek a workers’ compensation claim, even though in some cases these claims may be difficult for proving. This is why you need an attorney to help you get the claim.
Repetitive Stress Problems
Repetitive stress includes constant writing on boards, marking papers, using a computer on daily basis, and other repetitive actions. This stress can easily lead to carpal tunnel syndrome which will require the teacher to take some time off of work to get their treatment.
Chemistry teachers who have to show experiments that involve chemicals may also end up injured or develop an occupational illness over the years. Rashes, breathing problems, or burns may be a few of the injuries.
Stress
Teaching students is stressful work; parents constantly put pressure on teachers and demand that their children are the best. The teachers often have to act like parents as well. There’s plenty of paperwork and deadlines.
Depression, anxiety, frustration, and high blood pressure are a few of the outcomes of an explosion of prolonged stress.
Mental health is equally important as physical health; so teachers may need to take some time off and seek psychological help.
These things however aren’t going to covered with workers’ compensation.
If you’re a teacher who has been injured at work or have developed an occupational illness over the years, and you wonder if your injuries can be covered by a workers’ compensation, it’s time to seek legal guidance.
Our team at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta is here to review your case and stand by your side; call our office today.
