Summary: The scope of hazards faced by the education sector is broad 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. Examples of Insurance Risks for School Employees
Teachers are at risk for various job-related injuries, primarily those related to stress injuries from repeated use of wrists and hands while writing, working on the computer, or other repetitive activities, as well as those related to back, hip, or leg problems from periods spent standing in front of a classroom.
The risks for educational institutions aren’t limited to teachers. Building maintenance staff are subject to their own set of hazards. Repairs such as replacing lightbulbs or inspecting leaks may result in falls from ladders. Cafeteria staff may suffer from common kitchen injuries such as cuts, burns, and sprains.
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.
While workplace injuries will always be a risk for the education sector, 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 presents a risk to both staff and students. 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.
Property exposures are not contained to the outdoors. School buildings can also offer potential risks. An undetected
mold issue could cause illness to the students or staff. During winter, a
frozen pipe can burst and cause severe water damage.
AmTrust’s
Loss Control department specializes in risk management and offers an extensive collection of
commercial property protection resources.
School Violence and Bullying Risks
A reality of the education landscape is that school shootings or
active attackers are all too common and a serious risk for education staff.
According to
Education Week, there were 38 school (K-12) shootings in 2023 that resulted in 15 student or other children fatalities, 6 school employee or other adult fatalities, and 42 people injured.
Schools are charged with keeping children safe and there can be consequences when they don’t. While the family members of the victims Uvalde school shooting settled with the city in 2024, they will also be
filing suit against Uvalde’s school district.
Similarly, bullying and other types of student violence 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.
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 ensure you have the coverage you need.
Employment Practices Exposures for Schools
Like with other workplaces, employment-related claims such as discrimination, wrongful termination or sexual harassment are a risk for the education sector. For example, if a school staff member is 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, volunteer, 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.