Summary: The scope of hazards faced by the education sector is broader than you might think, ranging from workers’ compensation injuries to employment practice exposures – and these risks are growing and intensifying. Learn more about the insurance risks schools and educational institutions face. What are the Common Risks for School Employees?
Teachers spend a large majority of their time standing in front of their classes, putting strain on the back, hips, knees and feet. Tasks like working on a computer or writing can lead to repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel. Gym teachers run the risk of injury due to athletic activities, while science teachers have the potential to suffer from burns or chemical exposures while conducting chemistry classes.
Examples of Insurance Risks for Schools
The risks for educational institutions aren’t limited to just teachers. Building maintenance staff are subject to their own set of hazards. For example, falls from heights are a risk for a maintenance staff member who might be working from a ladder to change a lightbulb or inspecting a leak from a roof. Foodservice workers could suffer a severe
burn or cut while preparing food.
Student violence is an injury risk to teachers and staff, too. A teacher may be injured trying to intervene in a fight between two students. Special education teachers frequently deal with students who may try to scratch, hit or bite them. Taking it a step further, school shootings or
active attackers are clearly a serious risk for education staff. According to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, the number of
injuries and deaths attributed to school shootings (specifically in grades K-12) have risen dramatically over the years, killing 50 victims and injuring 132 others in 2022.
Workplace injuries will always be a risk for the
education sector, but AmTrust is here to help your educational institution protect its workforce. We have designed
workers’ compensation insurance coverage specifically tailored to the needs of educational institutions, including charter schools, private and religiously affiliated schools, and higher educational institutions.
Property Exposures for Educational Institutions
School property and surrounding grounds represent another insurance risk for the education sector. Faulty
playground equipment, which could lead to a student injury, presents a potential liability issue for the school. Uneven
sidewalks are a common workplace tripping hazard, which could lead to injuries to students or faculty. During wintertime, icy conditions present a potential slip and fall risk due to improperly cleared/maintained walkways and parking lots.
School buildings offer another potential risk. An undetected
mold issue could cause illness to the students or staff. During winter, a
frozen pipe can burst and cause severe water damage.
School property presents a risk to both staff and students. AmTrust’s
Loss Control department specializes in risk management and offers an extensive collection of
commercial property protection resources.
School Violence and Bullying Risks
Earlier, we mentioned the risk of student violence against teachers, but what about student violence or bullying against one another? These instances can result in a liability claim against a school and its district if they are ultimately found negligent for not providing adequate supervision and security.
For example, a
lawsuit was brought against a Los Angeles school district by a woman who claims they “failed to take adequate action” to protect her child and the other students at the school after her child was assaulted. The child was left with permanent brain damage and spinal injuries after being choked by another student.
Incidents like these are becoming more frequent, which means a growing risk for educational institutions. Be sure to review your
liability policies thoroughly and work with your AmTrust appointed agent to make sure you have the coverage you need.
Employment Practices Exposures for Schools
Employment-related claims such as discrimination, wrongful termination or sexual harassment are yet another risk for the education sector. For example, if a member (or several members) of school staff are laid off, it may lead to claims of wrongful termination.
An example involving discrimination and subsequent retaliation suit against a school in Michigan led to a $107,000 settlement.
An employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policy can help protect your educational institution. An EPLI policy applies to all employees of an insured business, including temporary, part-time, full-time, seasonal, volunteers and independent contract workers. Enhanced coverage protects the policyholder against both punitive damages and inappropriate third-party conduct.
AmTrust’s EPLI product offers coverage in the event of employment-related claims. Insured events include alleged discrimination, wrongful termination or demotion, sexual harassment and retaliation.
Small Business Insurance Coverage for Schools from AmTrust
AmTrust offers a variety of coverages to help protect educational institutions. Our small business insurance products are designed to keep your school property and your staff safe from the various risks they face daily.
Contact us today to get the protection your school needs.
This material is for informational purposes only. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information.