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Childcare Worker Safety
Workers in childcare facilities educate and care for infants, toddlers and preschool
age children. Childcare may not seem like a hazardous occupation, but every workplace
has hazards and risks. Childcare workers should pay attention to their own safety
while they nurture children.
Use good ergonomics to reduce the risk of strain or sprain injuries. To protect
your back, try to find ways reduce lifting like using steps up to the changing
table, sink, or fountain. To comfort a child, kneel down to their level instead
of bending over toward them or lifting them. Avoid bending or hunching over
when wiping or setting low tables or cots; bending your knees and keeping your
back straight protects your back during these tasks.
Working around small furniture, numerous toys, and small children increases
the risk of slips, trips and falls; wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good
traction. Walk slowly and avoid rushing while carrying loads or children, which
can obstruct your view. Clean up scattered toys on the floor between activities.
Ensure that spills are cleaned up immediately and rugs are secured; everyone
in the childcare facility is responsible for reducing slip, trip and fall hazards.
Infection control reduces the spread of germs. Wash your hands after handling
sick children, changing diapers, helping children in the bathroom, before preparing
food, before eating, and before leaving for the day. Frequently wash down tables,
counters, and sinks with a mild bleach solution. Smocks or aprons reduce germ
transmittal, especially with infant care. Consider vaccination against chicken
pox, hepatitis B, measles, rubella, mumps, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria,
all of which can cause serious illness.
Lice infestation is contagious and common in childcare. The tiny insects are
transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing combs, brushes, towels,
hats, helmets, and bedding; sharing personal items should be avoided. Lice
are not dangerous and don’t carry disease; they infest the skin, especially
the scalp, and cause extreme itchiness and rashes. Treatment requires special
shampoos and fine combing the hair to remove lice and their nits (eggs).
For protection against bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis or HIV, practice
universal precautions when you change diapers, help children toilet, wipe noses,
brush teeth, give health exams, and administer first aid. Always wear gloves
during these tasks. Latex gloves are commonly used for universal precautions
and when cooking or serving food; know the symptoms of latex allergy, such
as watery eyes and skin irritation. Ensure that the latex gloves you use are
powdered to reduce skin contact and that there are non-latex alternatives available.
When supervising children in outdoor play areas, be aware of sun safety. Wear
a hat and sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays; covered or shaded play
areas are ideal. Outdoor play can lead to heat or cold stress, depending on
the climate and season. Wear several light layers of clothing and watch for
symptoms of environmental stress.
Childcare is a vital service to care for the future generation; you are a
teacher and a role model to the children in your charge. While you focus on
your own health and safety on the job, model safe behavior and ensure that
the childcare setting is safe for both children and adults. Maintain childcare
sites free of hazards such as containers of standing water, unstable or improperly
padded climbing structures, and access to chemicals or medicines. It is vital
to maintain constant supervision over children; they should never be isolated
from the group or restrained in any way that could pose a strangulation hazard.
The emotional impacts of a child's injury or death in the childcare setting
are devastating and far-reaching; protect yourself and the children you care
for - for safety's sake.
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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