Schools payout £1.5m in injury compensation

Posted: September 30, 2014

Posted in: Finger Injuries Public Place Accidents School Accidents 

Over the last five years alone, Greater Manchester schools have paid out £1.5million in compensation to injured school children. With the majority of accidents stemming from ‘basic health and safety failings’, health and safety consultants argue that not enough is being done to protect children in schools. Accidents ranged from children being hit by falling goal posts to fingers being trapped in broken gates.

Across Greater Manchester there was a total of 255 successful personal injury claims, more claims than Birmingham and Greater London put together. Of the ten boroughs in Greater Manchester, Manchester itself was responsible for the majority of the successful claims. Over five years they paid out to 190 claimants, costing them £943,848.

Lack of training within schools

Bolton saw a total of fourteen successful claims, with the largest payout going to an incident concerning ‘classroom supervision’. They received £24,383. Another child won £671 after slipping on ice and leaves in the playground.

Wayne Dunning, ELAS’ lead health and safety consultant, said: “Health and safety is not being managed properly in the education sector and this is costing taxpayers millions, not only in direct compensation, but also additional hidden costs from administration.” 

He added that judging by the type of incidents occurring in schools, it is obvious that school bosses and staff are not identifying potential hazards in the early stages, which could prevent accidents from happening in the first place. He blamed the problem on a lack of training.

If you have suffered an injury in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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