HSE Myth of the month
February 5th 2008 The latest myth of the month from the HSE addresses the myth that if a pupil is hurt, the teacher is likely to be sued
The reality
The main legal duties lie with the employer, not the teacher – or even the head teacher, unless they own the school and employ the staff.
We can’t find a single instance in the past five years of a teacher being personally sued for compensation.
Over the years a handful of teachers have been prosecuted following very serious incidents, but only where they failed to follow direct instructions and departed from common sense.
Teachers who act responsibly will be on the right side of the law.
Download a printable poster version.
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