Workers’ Compensation: Avoiding the Most Common School Staff Injuries

School districts work hard to keep students safe, but employee safety deserves the same level of focus. Workplace injuries not only impact staff well-being, they can also lead to higher workers’ compensation costs, staffing disruptions, and operational strain.

By understanding the most common school staff injuries — and proactively addressing their causes — districts can reduce claims, control costs, and foster a safer work environment for everyone. Based on claims data from our team, the top four workers’ compensation injury types in schools account for nearly 90% of reported incidents.

The Most Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries in Schools

• Contusions (Bruises) – 44%
  Contusions are the most frequently reported school staff injury. While often considered “minor,” these injuries add up quickly and commonly occur when employees:

  • Slip or trip on uneven surfaces

  • Bump into desks, doors, or playground equipment

  • Are struck by moving objects (chairs, carts, athletic equipment)

Prevention Tips

• Maintain clear walkways and clutter-free classrooms

  1. Repair uneven flooring, loose tiles, and damaged sidewalks

  2. Use corner guards and padding in high-traffic areas

  3. Reinforce proper storage of equipment and supplies

• Sprains & Strains – 27%
  Sprains and strains often result from overexertion or improper movement and are especially common among:

  • Custodial staff

  • Special education staff

  • Coaches and physical education teachers

  • Food service workers

Prevention Tips

• Provide lifting and body mechanics training

  1. Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items

  2. Use carts, dollies, and mechanical aids whenever possible

  3. Rotate tasks to reduce repetitive strain injuries

• Lacerations – 13%
  Cuts and puncture wounds frequently occur in cafeterias, maintenance areas, science labs, and vocational classrooms.

Prevention Tips

• Require cut-resistant gloves where appropriate

  1. Ensure tools are well-maintained and stored safely

  2. Train staff on proper knife and equipment handling

  3. Implement clear procedures for broken glass cleanup

• Fractures – 5%
  Although less common, fractures are typically more severe and costly. They are often associated with:

  • Falls from ladders or steps

  • Slips on wet floors or icy walkways

  • Athletic or playground-related incidents

Prevention Tips

• Use slip-resistant flooring and mats

  1. Clearly mark wet floors and clean spills immediately

  2. Ensure ladders and step stools meet safety standards

  3. Schedule regular inspections of athletic and playground equipment

• Other Injuries – 11%

This category includes multiple injury classifications such as burns, dislocations, and repetitive stress injuries. While less frequent individually, they reinforce the importance of comprehensive safety programs and consistent training.

Why Injury Prevention Matters

Reducing workers’ compensation injuries isn’t just about claims — it’s about:

• Keeping experienced staff in the classroom

• Reducing substitute and overtime costs

• Improving morale and employee retention

• Demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being

A strong safety culture, combined with routine training and proactive risk management, can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of workplace injuries.

How We Can Help

INSURICA works alongside school districts to take a proactive approach to workers’ compensation and employee safety. By analyzing claims data and identifying injury trends, our team helps districts understand where risks are occurring and why. From there, we support the development of targeted training, safety initiatives, and risk management strategies designed to reduce both the frequency and severity of workplace injuries. The result is a safer environment for staff, fewer disruptions to daily operations, and greater long-term cost control.

If you have questions about reducing workplace injuries or would like support reviewing your district’s workers’ compensation program and safety initiatives, please contact an Insurance & Risk Management Advisor today.