Armed school teachers

Some school districts concerned police will not reach them fast enough in the event of a shooting are urging teachers and other school workers to arm themselves.

A recent incident makes me think those polices could impact workers compensation costs. The incident at hand involved an East Texas school district maintenance worker accidentally struck in the leg by a bullet after a handgun malfunctioned.

Reports say the accident happened during a school district-sponsored training class organized to help teachers and other workers obtain concealed weapons permits.

Given it was an employer-sponsored shooting program it seems highly likely it would generate a compensable workers comp claim.

Texas isn't the only state where there is a rush to arm teachers.

About 200 educators in Utah showed up for a free firearm-handling class following the killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Mass shootings also generate workers comp costs, often totaling millions of dollars each, as I reported in a story available here.