31st December 2006

 

It has been revealed by Scotland’s largest teaching union that in the year 2005 / 2006, £171,954 in compensation was awarded to its members for accidents and attacks sustained whilst at work.

 

The EIS General Secretary, Ronnie Smith stated that because the figure was similar to that of the year before, not enough was being done in schools and colleges to improve health and safety standards and ensure they were a safe place for both teaching and learning.

 

All employers whether in public or private sectors have a duty to ensure staff and employees are working in a completely safe and secure environment. If an accident that was totally preventable occurs, then the injured party have a right to claim compensation for the injury sustained. 

 

The most common reason that members of the teaching union made work place compensation claims  during the period of 2005 / 2006 was for slips, trips and falls, although some were also made due to attacks from pupils. Teachers (and other public service workers) are the most likely group to be on the receiving end of assaults and attacks during their work day. Smith went on to say that employers at schools had to send a clear message that violence conduct, either physical or verbal would not be tolerated or condoned.