Slip and Fall Injuries at Schools
School employees have a lot to deal with. They not only are dealing with the future’s brightest minds but also the risk of slip and fall injuries.
There are close to 230,000 school employees in New Jersey. Employee work-related injuries in K-12 schools are common. From the 2009-10 through 2013-14 school years, slips, trips, and falls topped the list. This should be no surprise, given that from 2020 to 2021, the number of injuries caused by slips, trips and falls increased by 40% in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States.
While the injuries involved in slips and falls are not always fatal, they can lead to a disability. Injuries can include sprains, strains, contusions, dislocations, fractures, concussions, and even paralysis.
Many of these accidents and injuries happen in school parking lots. School parking lots often have hazards that include uneven sidewalk slabs, cracks, potholes, broken surfaces, and puddles. Weather conditions such as rain and snow can contribute to slips, trips, and falls. Also, since poor lighting at night can make these surfaces harder to see, school parking lots should provide ample lighting. Light fixtures should be replaced as needed.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that walking-working surfaces should be free of hazards, such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, spills, snow, and ice. Parking lots are included as a walking-working surface, so these areas should be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired.
What Can Be Done?
All injured employees should report hazards to their employers immediately to prevent future slips, trips, and falls. If you fear retaliation, report the hazards to your union representative or health and safety committee member.
Employers are required to address hazards. Safety measures can minimize work-related slips, trips and fall injuries not only in parking lots but also in classrooms, hallways, maintenance rooms, and kitchens.
Schools have evolved over the past few decades. Many schools have transitioned from writing on whiteboards to using electronic devices. As a result, cords from these devices can cause trips. As such, proper cord management can reduce work-related injuries. Walking pathways should be kept clear of items such as backpacks, books, and tools.
Slippery floors are common and can be a result of recently waxed or polished floors, spills, and loose floor mats. Spills should be cleaned immediately and wet floors should have a proper caution sign next to them.
Falls are another common concern. They can occur either from the same level or an elevated level. Causes of falls may include loose carpeting, clutter, cords, ladders, stairs, and unsecure floor openings. All employees should be properly trained in ladder safety and fall protection.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Slips and falls can happen anywhere, even in a school environment. Employees can become seriously injured.
If you have been injured, get the help you need from a Morristown slip and fall attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We understand just how stressful an injury and the injury recovery process can be for a family. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (973) 455-1567.
Source:
njea.org/slips-trips-and-fall-hazards/
