School doors are used frequently every single day. They are practical and necessary, but for this very reason, door-related risks are easy to miss, as they can appear harmless. Even minor injuries can have unexpected impacts, both emotionally and financially. Most injuries occur during busy hours and in high-traffic areas. It is important to prevent these and create a safer learning environment for children and adults alike.
Where Do Door Injuries Happen Most Often?
Most door-related injuries happen on the hinge side of the door. This area of the door closes with a strong impact, leading to excruciating entrapment injuries. UK school maintenance data shows that hinge-side injuries occur more often than handle-side injuries. Young kids are at risk because they move quickly and are unaware of the dangers. A door finger guard for schools is a crucial addition to your safety plan.
How Are Young Kids Most at Risk?
Many young kids cannot easily judge danger. They often hold doors when playing or even when passing the door. Compared to older children, younger ones tend to place their hands lower on the door and closer to pinch points, such as hinges. Several studies suggest that door-related accidents are more common in primary schools than in secondary schools. This age difference underscores the importance of early prevention and proper education on how to avoid hazards safely.
Common Door-Related Hazards in Schools
Doors in areas such as toilets, playgrounds, and classrooms always pose the highest risk. These areas experience crowding and fast movement. For instance, a busy corridor door can open and shut over 100 times in an hour, whereas a classroom door does so occasionally. Fire doors also pose a significant risk, as they are heavier than standard doors. Their mere weight increases the risk of injury if fingers are trapped in the hinges or on the handle side.
What Can You Do to Prevent Door Hazards?
Indeed, doors are practical, but they are also dangerous. However, simple yet useful safety measures can reduce the risk of door-related injuries. For instance, you can install a durable door finger protector to cover the hinge side of the door and block fingers from getting trapped in the gap. These devices might be small, but they are far more effective at preventing injuries than having nothing at all. You should also regularly check the condition of your doors and any pre-installed safety hardware to ensure complete satisfaction. Remember that treating injuries can be costly in terms of time, money, and energy. Therefore, you must regularly review your safety plan to prevent repeat injuries or liabilities.
To Conclude
School safety is crucial, and it improves when risks are identified early and addressed. Assessing door hazards is a practical step to protect kids and vulnerable adults every single day on your premises. It helps create a safe and thriving environment for all.