Here’s why you should put door safety first – advice for schools

16 Oct Here’s why you should put door safety first – advice for schools

There is endless guidance on the subject of health and safety in schools. From the Department for Education’s advice to resources from charities and other well-meaning organisations, the information on health and safety may even be considered overwhelming. Protecting and preserving pupil wellbeing, and safeguarding staff and visitors in the process, is however a hot topic, with schools having several health and safety obligations to fulfil.

An important step in fulfilling your health and safety obligations as a school is undertaking regular risk assessments. Here Prepared Schools explains why:

“In addition to these practical benefits, risk assessments can also help schools improve their risk management practices and processes over time. By regularly reviewing and updating risk assessments, schools can identify trends and patterns in the risks they face, as well as determine which risk management strategies are most effective.”

One risk that is certain to crop up during risk assessment is door-related finger injuries. In this blog post, we reveal why every school should put door safety first, and how a few seemingly simple additions could help you achieve just that rather quickly and cost effectively…

Because prevention is better than cure

Knowing what to do if a pupil traps their finger in a school door is of course important, yet putting door safety first to prevent such incidents is an even better approach.

Unfortunately, finger trapping incidents are very common. According to this guidance from the City of Wolverhampton Council, over 30,000 children under the age of 15 visit UK hospitals every year with finger or thumb injuries caused by doors and door frames. While common, finger trapping accidents are avoidable, with education and the addition of our door finger guards recommended for prevention.

Because pupils, staff and visitors need your protection

Finger trapping incidents affect people of all ages, not just inquisitive children. Pupils, staff and visitors all need protection from door-related finger injuries. The installation of our door finger guards throughout your school will ensure wandering fingers and hands are ejected from hazardous opening hinge gaps to prevent trapping accidents.

Here at Fingersafe, we’re firm believers that finger protectors should be mandatory across all environments, especially in schools where the tiniest and most delicate hands are at risk. Door-related finger injuries have the potential to cause significant pain and distress, and can have long term implications for the individual affected.

Our door safety products have prevented countless finger and hand injuries across a long list of settings, including nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges.

Because you could leave yourself liable

Crush injury claims are on the rise, meaning a finger trapping accident could actually leave you liable for legal action if it’s proved that it was caused by negligence.

As a school or employer, you have a duty of care to protect the health, safety and welfare of all those who use your building. If the finger trapping incident caused significant damage, resulted in potentially long-term complications or led to financial losses (i.e. a parent or the affected staff member had to take time off from work due to the injury), you could have a claim landing at your door. Reduce your liability by prioritising door safety at your school.

Because it’s your responsibility to provide a safe space

By law, it is the responsibility of the employer or proprietor to put necessary measures in place to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This includes appointing a competent person (usually the headteacher or school management team) to ensure the day-to-day running of the school aligns with the highest health and safety standards.

By taking steps, like installing our door safety products on classroom doors, you can minimise risk, reduce liability, and protect the individuals within to ensure a safer space for all. Browse our full range of door safety systems today.