Teaching union calls for greater staff safety

TEACHERS were awarded millions of pounds in compensation last year for accidents or injuries at school – leading one teaching union to warn local authorities could do more to protect staff and reduce payouts.

One West Sussex teacher was awarded 173,595 in an insurance claim after dislocating an ankle while on playground duty.

In another case, a female teacher in the West Midlands was given 112,000 after seriously injuring her shoulder and arm as she tried to stop a 13-year-old attacking another pupil.

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Members of the NASUWT teaching union alone were handed almost 8.8m in compensation in 2009.

Amongst these was one of the highest ever pay-outs received by a teacher.

Sharon Lewis was awarded 279,708 after being assaulted by a pupil while working at as a special needs teacher in Nottingham. The boy jumped on her back, putting her in a headlock and she fell against a wall, on to the floor, hitting her head on a window.

The NASUWT, which supported Miss Lewis in her case, said she had suffered post-traumatic stress as well as back and neck injuries.

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NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said she was pleased the union had been able to successfully pursue the claims of many of their members.

But she added: "It is of deep concern that many of the claims could have been avoided if employers at school and local authority level abided by their statutory duties and responsibilities.

"The fact that compromise agreements are entered into so readily by employers is in itself an indication that they recognise that in many cases they have breached their legal duties.

"Millions of pounds of taxpayers' money could be saved every year if all employers took their legal responsibilities seriously.

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"Whilst the sums of money involved might seem very significant, no amount of money can compensate for no longer being able to pursue your chosen career."

Members of the National Union of Teachers were also awarded large sums in 2009.

A music teacher from the South West was awarded 40,000 in an out-of-court settlement after her wrist was crushed when a door blew shut on a windy day.

In a second case, another teacher from the region received a settlement of 1,500 after receiving a first-degree burn when he scalded himself with coffee at a work conference.

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The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) won almost 4m for their members in "compensation agreements" – an arrangements between teacher s and their schools to part company.

Some 774,000 was also won for ATL teachers as compensation for injuries.