Ergonomic safety for school workers

When people think about school safety, their minds often go straight to playground rules or emergency drills. But there’s another important type of safety that often gets overlooked: Ergonomic safety. Whether you're a teacher, custodian, administrator, or support staff, your daily tasks—everything from grading papers to moving equipment—can take a toll on your body over time. The good news? A few smart adjustments can make a big difference.

What it is and why it matters

Ergonomics is all about designing your work environment to fit you—not the other way around. It focuses on reducing strain, improving posture, and preventing long-term injuries by adjusting how and where work is done.

In schools, ergonomic risks can look like:

• Teachers hunching over desks or computers for long periods
• Custodial staff lifting heavy supplies without proper support
• Office staff typing for hours at workstations not designed for comfort
• Classroom furniture that doesn’t accommodate adults spending hours seated

Ignoring these risks can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)—a group of injuries that affect muscles, nerves, tendons, and joints. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSDs account for about 30% of all workplace injuries requiring time away from work. That’s a big deal, especially when staffing shortages already challenge schools across the country.

The importance of ergonomic safety in schools

For school employees, staying comfortable at work isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about staying healthy and being able to do your job well. Ergonomic safety helps:

• Prevent injuries
• Improve focus and productivity
• Reduce missed workdays
• Support long-term health

Investing in ergonomic safety can also help reduce costs tied to workers’ compensation claims and turnover—something every district wants to avoid.

Ergonomic safety tips for school workers

No matter your role in a school, you can take steps to reduce physical strain and promote better ergonomics:

For teachers and office staff:

• Adjust your chair and monitor so your screen is at eye level and your feet are flat on the floor
• Use document holders to avoid excessive neck bending when grading
• Take microbreaks to stretch and move every 20-40 minutes
• Use voice-to-text software or ergonomic keyboards if typing frequently causes discomfort

For facilities and food service staff:

• Use tools or utensils with comfortable, bent handles to reduce hand and wrist strain
• Lift with your legs, not your back, and ask for help with heavy loads
• Push carts instead of pulling them whenever possible to reduce back strain

For everyone:

• Speak up if you’re experiencing discomfort—early intervention can prevent long-term injury
• Rotate tasks throughout the day when possible to give certain muscle groups a break
• Wear supportive footwear, especially if you’re on your feet all day

Make ergonomics part of the school
safety conversation

Ergonomic safety isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s essential to keeping school workers healthy and schools running smoothly. Simple changes can lead to big results, and starting the conversation can help bring ergonomic improvements to classrooms, offices, and beyond.

If you’re a school administrator or facilities leader, consider:

• Offering ergonomic training sessions
• Providing adjustable equipment or furniture
• Reviewing workplace injury data to identify high-risk areas

At EMC Insurance, we know that when educators and staff are supported, schools thrive. That’s why we’re committed to helping schools create safer, more ergonomic work environments with an extensive collection of resources—because healthy teams make stronger schools.