Daycare workers provide a valuable service for parents who need to work. While they are taking care of the children, they face injury risks due to the nature of the work. The daycare needs to have protocol in place to help prevent workers from having accidents and the workers need to do their part to remain safe.
Most of the hazards of this occupation come from working with the children, but there are a few others that need to be addressed. Setting the procedures in place and having the safety tools available can go a long way toward keeping workers healthy and out of harm’s way.
Biological hazards
Young children aren’t the cleanest or healthiest individuals. Daycare workers are subjected to contact with bodily fluids on a regular basis. Kids might come to the center with illnesses, such as colds, pink eye and similar conditions. There aren’t really any options for avoiding contact with these germs, but proper handwashing can reduce the risk of the workers becoming sick. It is also possible for them to wear gloves when changing diapers, helping children with toileting and doing jobs like wiping noses. Having up-to-date immunizations can also help.
Heavy lifting
Daycare workers usually have to lift children, which can really put pressure on the back. Lifting with the knees instead of the back can help. It is also beneficial to try to have the children walk on their own when possible. Bending over to talk to the kids and help them with activities can wear on the back. Stooping down instead can help to prevent cumulative trauma injuries.
Trip and slip dangers
Toys on the floor and spills from cups and bottles can lead to falls. Even if you catch yourself before you hit the ground, you can suffer a soft tissue injury from the jolt of the slip or trip and the motion of trying to catch yourself. Making sure that all toys are promptly picked up and that spills are wiped can help to reduce the chance of slips and falls.
If you work in a daycare, don’t try to ignore your injuries. There is a chance that trying to power through them could result in having to deal with more serious impacts. Instead, seek out medical care when something is amiss so that you can get the help you need. Workers’ compensation is in place to protect you.