Childcare workers contribute to the development and well-being of children, but their job comes with risks.
Those who work with children face various occupational injuries that can impact their health and ability to work. Learn more about the risks of this meaningful occupation and how to obtain compensation for your harm.
Common injury types
Daycare workers are prone to several types of injuries due to the physical nature of their job, including:
- Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting and carrying children
- Infectious illnesses due to close contact with children
- Physical trauma due to slips, trips and falls
- Cuts and bruises from handling toys and equipment
Untreated injuries, even minor ones, can worsen over time, causing more pain and logistical hardships.
Causes of injuries
There are many causes of injury in occupations involving the care of children. Here are a few common ways daycare and childcare workers become injured.
- Improper lifting techniques can cause back and shoulder injuries
- Inadequate training on safe work practices
- Poor workplace ergonomics, such as unsuitable furniture and equipment
- Elevated stress levels and fatigue from long working hours
These and other factors can combine to create a work environment rife with injury and illness risks.
Legal protections
In Oklahoma, most employees, including daycare and childcare personnel, are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury.
The available benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages and vocational rehabilitation for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits help to ensure injured workers receive access to no-cost treatment and financial support during their recovery.
If you have trouble filing a claim or exercising your workers’ compensation rights, consider getting a legal opinion from someone well-versed in Oklahoma laws. They can strengthen your initial claim or guide you through the appeals process.