What are the most common classroom injuries?

13 Nov What are the most common classroom injuries?

According to the latest research, A&E admissions were highest amongst the youngest people, with those aged five and under accounting for almost 2.6 million visits annually. The same data revealed that school age children fared only slightly better.

With children spending most of their time away from home and in the classroom during term time, the risks found in our nurseries, schools and other educational environments shouldn’t be underestimated. But, what are the most common classroom injuries affecting the nation’s next generation?

Cuts and scrapes

Cuts, scrapes and grazes are of course common occurrences both inside and outside of school. While not easily prevented, they are easily treated, with schools having the supplies they need in their first aid kits to clean the wound and prevent infection.

Sprains and fractures

Now for the more serious side of slips, trips and falls in the classroom. Unfortunately, consequences like sprains, breaks and fractures aren’t uncommon, and, more often than not, end with a trip to A&E. When it comes to fractures however, some are more prevalent than others in children as BMJ Paediatrics Open details:

“During 2012–2019, 368 120 children were admitted to English NHS hospitals with a fracture. 256 008 (69.5%) were upper limb fractures, 85 737 (23.3%) were lower limb fractures and 20 939 (5.7%) were skull or facial fractures. The annual incidence of upper limb fractures was highest in children aged 5–9 (348.3 per 100 000 children) and the highest incidence of lower limb fractures was in children aged 10–15 (126.5 per 100 000 children).”

Head injuries

Head trauma is also commonplace in UK schools, with teachers, support staff, healthcare professionals, and the families or carers of the affected young person needing to be aware of the symptoms and side effects of this particular injury. Assessment and early management are after all essential to accessing the right care as well as facilitating a speedy recovery, especially in babies, children and young people.

It is also important to acknowledge that symptoms like concussion can last a number of weeks, and can start up to 24 hours after the head injury itself.

Door-related finger injuries

As our recently published door safety guide for schools demonstrates, door-related finger injuries remain an epidemic. The City of Wolverhampton Council found that more than 30,000 children aged 15 or under visit UK hospitals each year with finger or thumb injuries caused by doors and door frames, and the consequences can be lifelong.

Pain and swelling may be short term, but stiffness and loss of function can be permanent following finger entrapment, and these symptoms can go on to negatively impact quality of life. Simple tasks like tying laces, typing, eating, or grasping can prove impossible following a severe door-related finger injury.

Read more about the short- and long-term dangers of door-related finger injuries here.

It’s time to take a proactive approach

However common the classroom injury, prevention is always better than cure, and thankfully, there’s one very easy way to reduce the risk of door-related finger injuries. Our door safety products have been designed and developed to ensure safer spaces for all, and are already widely used across classrooms around the world.

Our designs eject fingers and hands from door danger zones to minimise risk, reduce liability and protect people of all ages. Take a closer look at our door finger protectors for further information or contact us to discuss your options.