Watching Your Step and Staying Alert – School Safety Stats and Facts

FACTS

  1. Slips, Trips, and Falls Are Major School Hazards. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of injuries in educational environments, affecting both students and staff.
  2. Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injury. Although many falls are minor, others result in serious injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma. These injuries often require extended recovery time, especially in high-risk environments such as stairways or icy outdoor areas.
  3. Slips and Falls Are a Leading Cause of Worker Injuries. Among school employees, falls represent one of the top causes of injuries, leading to days off of work and possible long-term consequences. Staff members are often involved in activities that increase their risk, such as moving large items or conducting outdoor supervision.
  4. Weather Conditions and Environmental Hazards. Outdoor areas, especially during winter months, present a significant risk for slips and falls. Uneven sidewalks, ice patches, and snow accumulation can easily cause accidents for both staff and students.
  5. Preventative Measures and Safety Protocols. Ensuring safe walking habits, using handrails, and maintaining clean and dry floors are essential measures that can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidents.

STATS

  • Between 2015 and 2020, falls, slips, and trips were the leading cause of workplace injuries among school employees, with over 67,000 incidents reported annually.
  • In British Columbia, approximately 7,000 workers are injured annually due to slips, trips, and falls, with a significant portion occurring in academic settings.
  • Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2020 show that 30% of injury claims in schools involved falls, ranging from minor slips to more severe injuries. (bls.gov)
  • Winter weather causes 1,200 fall-related injuries in U.S. schools annually. In colder months, the risk of slip-and-fall accidents rises dramatically. On average, 1,200 fall-related injuries occur in U.S. schools due to icy conditions each year.
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 33% of work-related injuries in schools are due to slips and falls, making it one of the leading causes of worker injury.
  • In Canada, approximately 15,000 workplace injuries annually are attributed to falls, with a significant proportion occurring in educational settings.