EDUCATION
In a high school located in a suburban area, a dedicated teacher's aide experienced a life-altering accident that highlighted the significant impact of workplace injuries on both employees and employers. This case study explores the incident, its aftermath, and the crucial lessons learned about preventing similar accidents in the future.
A teacher's aide, who had been employed at the school for three years, suffered a severe injury while performing a routine task. On a Friday morning, the aide, over the age of 55, was walking between classes to a different classroom. The day had just begun, and the aide was not carrying anything at the time of the accident.
While walking, the aide slipped on moisture on the floor, resulting in a broken kneecap and a strained tendon. The accident was not reported to the workers' compensation carrier until 10 days after the incident, and the lack of immediate action exacerbated the situation. Surgery was performed within 24 hours, but the absence of a thorough investigation into the cause of the moisture significantly hindered the school's ability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
There was no documented supervisory investigation to determine where the moisture came from, how much was present, or if anyone had witnessed the incident. Key areas that should have been investigated included:
Potential sources of the moisture (e.g., student spill, weather conditions, proximity to the cafeteria, water fountain, employee lounge, or science classroom).
The type of shoes the employee was wearing.
Whether the aide was distracted by a phone or other thoughts.
Any possible witnesses or prior knowledge of the moisture on the floor.
The recovery process was lengthy and complex. It took 10 months for the employee to return to work, and the overall claim remained open a year after the incident. Despite surgery and therapy, strict work restrictions prevented the aide from returning to full duties, and no accommodation was made to facilitate a quicker return to work.
The financial impact of the accident was substantial. The direct costs exceeded $90,000, covering surgery, rehabilitation, and loss of wages. The indirect costs were also significant:
Hiring a temporary replacement and the associated costs of a placement service.
Potential decline in the quality of education provided.
Concerns from parents about the safety of the school environment.
The need to hire and retrain a new person.
Increased workers' compensation premiums.
To prevent similar accidents in the future, the following corrective measures are recommended:
Train/Retrain Employees on Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention: Regular training sessions should be conducted to educate employees about the risks and prevention techniques for slips, trips, and falls.
Develop a Communication System for Moisture on the Ground: Implement a clear and efficient communication system for reporting and addressing moisture or other hazards on the floor.
Develop a Policy for Nonslip Footwear: Establish a policy requiring employees to wear nonslip footwear to reduce the risk of slipping.
Develop an Incident Investigation and Reporting Process: Create a formal process for incidents to be reported and then investigated by management in order to immediately correct any possible hazards and to identify potential causes of the incident, which will help in the development of corrective solutions.
Evaluate Slip Prevention Floor Care Products: Invest in floor care products designed to prevent slips and falls, enhancing the overall safety of the work environment.
By implementing these corrective measures, employers can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries, ensuring a safer environment for their employees and mitigating the financial impact of such incidents. This case underscores the importance of proactive safety measures and thorough incident investigations in maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
Christian Brothers Risk Management Services is dedicated to helping your organization reduce the risk of costly accidents. We provide comprehensive online training in slip, trip, and fall prevention for managers, supervisors, and employees, along with the Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention Resource Toolkit to equip your organization with essential resources to effectively manage these hazards. For more information on registration and implementing employee online training, please contact Anthony Chimera, Risk Control Specialist, at 800.807.0100 x2512 or email anthony.chimera@cbservices.org.
