Contact with objects and equipment (COE) accidents are a persistent risk for schools, colleges, and universities. The good news? COE accidents are almost always preventable. By combining strong protocols with smarter technology—like AI-driven video intelligence—education organizations can move from reactive incident response to proactive prevention. This guide breaks down the true costs, root causes, and provides a clear framework for moving from a reactive to a proactive safety model using modern technology.
Why Contact with Objects and Equipment Accidents Are a Major Challenge for Education
COE accidents in education don’t just happen in woodshops or science labs. They show up in cafeterias, gymnasiums, maintenance closets, and playgrounds—anywhere equipment is stored, handled, or maintained. These incidents aren’t just about bumps and bruises. Typical direct costs per serious incident are high: $118,837 for amputations and $60,934 for fractures (Source: ElectroIQ, 2025). Indirect costs (lost productivity, staff replacement, temporary disruption) are even higher.
The Top 5 Causes of Contact with Objects and Equipment Accidents in Education—and Proactive Ways to Prevent Them
Understanding why COE accidents happen is the first step to stopping them. Here are the most common causes, what typically goes wrong, and how schools can blend traditional methods with modern video intelligence to prevent future incidents.
1. Caught in or Compressed by Machinery/Equipment
The Hazard:
Picture a maintenance worker clearing a jam in a cafeteria dishwasher, reaching in before the machine is fully powered down—resulting in a crushed hand. Too often, injuries happen during cleaning or maintenance, especially when lockout/tagout procedures are skipped or machine guards are missing.
Traditional Prevention:
Mandatory lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for all maintenance.
Physical guards on all moving parts (e.g., saws, slicers).
Regular staff training and posted signage near hazardous equipment.
How AI Amplifies Prevention:
AI-powered video analytics can spot when protective guards are missing or bypassed, and monitor for unauthorized access to restricted equipment areas. “Person enters no-go zone” alerts help supervisors intervene before anyone starts work on energized machinery. Historical video provides rapid review for any near-miss or incident, speeding up investigations and retraining.
2. Struck by Falling, Dropped, or Moving Objects
The Hazard:
A science teacher stacking boxes of glassware on a high shelf loses balance—sending a box tumbling down onto a colleague below. Or, students moving heavy sports equipment drop a weight on their own or a classmate’s foot.
Traditional Prevention:
Regular safety walkthroughs to spot improper storage.
Training staff and students in safe lifting and stacking.
Use of step stools/ladders rather than standing on chairs.
How AI Amplifies Prevention:
Video intelligence can flag “crowding” and “possible fall” scenarios in busy storage areas, catching unsafe stacking or retrieval behavior. Real-time alerts for “running” or “people absent” in high-risk zones help reduce the likelihood of accidents, especially during busy transitions between classes or activities.
3. Struck Against Stationary or Moving Objects
The Hazard:
Consider a student rushing through a hallway who collides with a protruding door or open equipment cart. In another case, a custodian cleaning behind gym bleachers is struck by a moving platform.
Traditional Prevention:
Clear marking of hazards (e.g., bright tape, warning signs).
Scheduled cleaning and maintenance when spaces are empty.
Awareness campaigns to reduce rushing and horseplay.
How AI Amplifies Prevention:
AI systems can detect and notify staff about running and crowding in known risk areas. Loitering analytics spot when people linger in unsafe zones—prompting timely intervention. Video review capabilities make it easy to analyze incidents and improve procedures.
4. Pinched or Crushed by Shifting Objects
The Hazard:
A teacher repositions a heavy bookcase, and fingers get pinched between the unit and the wall. Or, a student moving stacked gym mats gets their hand trapped as the stack shifts.
Traditional Prevention:
Training on proper lifting techniques and use of dollies.
Team lifts for heavy or awkward items.
Inspection and maintenance of storage areas to prevent shifting.
How AI Amplifies Prevention:
“Person enters no-go zone” detection helps ensure only authorized staff are present during high-risk moves. Video records support root-cause analysis and targeted retraining.
5. Injured by Handheld or Power Tools
The Hazard:
A student using a box cutter to open supplies suffers a deep laceration when the knife slips.
Traditional Prevention:
Mandatory PPE (gloves, goggles) in labs and shops.
Regular tool maintenance and safety checks.
Hands-on training and direct supervision for tool use.
How AI Amplifies Prevention:
Video intelligence can verify PPE use and flag “missing PPE” in real time. Analytics also highlight “possible fall” or “running” behavior in shop classes, providing early warning of unsafe practices. Automated video search dramatically reduces investigation time when incidents do occur.
Integrating a Modern AI Camera System: From NVR to AI Insights in Education
Upgrading to a proactive, AI-driven safety platform doesn’t mean starting over from scratch. Here’s what sets a next-gen system apart—and how it fits into real-world education environments.
Feature | Traditional NVR System | Modern AI Camera Platform |
|---|---|---|
Camera Compatibility | New/specific models only | Works with existing POE and legacy cameras |
Storage | On-premise, hardware-heavy | Secure, cloud-native, scalable |
Maintenance | Frequent on-site service | Minimal, remote updates |
User Access | Limited seats, siloed | Unlimited users, unified dashboard |
Video Review | Manual, time-consuming | AI-powered search and incident detection |
Actionable Insights | Passive footage | Real-time alerts for COE risks and unsafe acts |
A cloud-based AI camera system bridges your current infrastructure with advanced analytics. There’s no need for a costly “rip-and-replace”—the platform is designed to work with your existing POE or legacy cameras, eliminating the need for full hardware overhaul. All video is stored securely in the cloud, reducing maintenance and scaling as your needs grow. Unlimited user seats and a unified dashboard mean safety, IT, and operations teams can collaborate without bottlenecks.
But the real power is in the AI overlay. Instead of just recording, the system actively scans for risk: missing PPE, running, unauthorized access, and more. This turns your video network into a proactive safety engine—giving teams the insight to spot trouble before it leads to injury.
Evaluating Solutions?
Look for platforms that support compliance (OSHA 1910.132 for PPE, ANSI Z359 for fall protection), mesh with your safety protocols, and deliver actionable insights tailored to education’s unique risks. The best tech doesn’t replace your team—it empowers them to prevent accidents and respond faster.
Transform Your Approach to COE Safety
COE accidents are preventable—with the right mix of strong protocols, empowered staff, and smarter technology. The right video intelligence platform can help your district or campus stop injuries before they happen, streamline investigations, and meet compliance standards with less stress.
Ready to see how modern video analytics can support your safety goals? Book a safety consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your education environment. Book a safety consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common causes of contact with objects and equipment injuries in schools?
The leading causes are caught in or compressed by machinery, struck by falling or moving objects, struck against stationary objects, pinched or crushed by shifting items, and injuries from handheld or power tools (Source: OSHA, 2025).
How can schools and universities prevent COE accidents during maintenance or cleaning?
Enforce strict lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, require physical machine guarding, and provide targeted hand safety training. AI-powered camera systems can also monitor for unauthorized access and missing safety barriers in real-time.
Are there regulatory requirements for machine guarding and PPE in education settings?
Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 requires appropriate PPE for hazardous tasks, and 29 CFR 1910.145 mandates hazard warning labels. Machinery must have guards that prevent contact with moving parts (Source: OSHA, 2025).
How does AI video analytics support compliance and investigations?
AI-powered platforms automatically document safety violations, such as missing PPE or restricted area entry. This speeds up incident investigations, supports OSHA reporting, and provides visual evidence for audits.
What’s the best way to integrate safety technology with existing camera systems?
Look for solutions that work with your current POE or legacy cameras, offer cloud-native storage, and provide unlimited user access. This way, you avoid a costly rip-and-replace and can scale as your needs change.
How can safety technology help reduce stress for safety managers?
Automated alerts, real-time risk detection, and easy video search mean safety teams spend less time on manual reviews and more time on prevention. This reduces administrative burden and improves morale.
About the author
Joshua Foster, IT Specialist, Spot AI
Joshua Foster is an IT Specialist at Spot AI with hands-on experience in deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting security camera systems for enterprise environments. He is passionate about helping businesses optimize their video surveillance for maximum uptime, safety, and operational insight.
