If you’ve got plans to be one of the expected 1.9 million teachers in the U.S., you might not be thinking about potential workplace injuries. However, there are some teaching risks which you should keep in mind. Being aware of these risks can help you stay safe while on the job…
Teaching Risks: What To Watch For
Getting sick
If a student gets sick in school, odds are it will spread around pretty quickly. It isn’t uncommon for many kids to get sick at once at schools because of this. However, these sicknesses can also spread to teachers as well.
Getting sick is a teaching risk which is actually pretty common. Teachers spend their days with dozens of students who could be carrying sicknesses. Combined this with their colleagues who are in a similar situation, and it’s no surprise that teachers are at an increased risk of getting sick.
Ergonomic issues
Another example of teaching risks is with ergonomic problems. Technology and computers are becoming much more prevalent in schools for teaching purposes. However, extended use could lead to hand and wrist pains, and issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Furthermore, teachers are expected to do a lot of standing and moving while teaching. This could lead to issues with their backs and legs, such as strains and pulled muscles. There is also a risk of falling if teachers have to hang things up or reach items in high places.
Special cases
There are some areas of teaching which have different risks than others. For example, gym teachers are at a higher risk for physical injuries than other, more “traditional” teachers. Chemistry teachers also have to consider chemical and fire hazards as well.
However, there are still steps that can be taken to reduce these risks. Gym teachers can make sure to do proper stretches before their classes to keep their muscles loose. Chemistry teachers can also make sure to use proper safety equipment and practices to keep them and their students safe.
Knowing what risks there are when teaching can help you keep yourself healthy. You can then make sure to take steps to ensure these risks don’t prevent you from doing the best job teaching that you can.