Title: In the Child Care Setting
1Preventing Slips, Trips . . . Falls
- In the Child Care Setting
2Preventing Slips, Trips Falls
- An Injury Prevention Training
- Curriculum
- Developed by
- Virginia Child Care
- Resource Referral Network
- in partnership with and sponsored by
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury
Prevention
3Every 2 ½ minutes in the U.S., a child is seen in
an emergency room for an unintentional
injury. -VDH
3
4Incidence of Childhood Falls
Falls are a universal problem
- Falls are the leading cause of unintentional
childhood injuries in Virginia, throughout the
United States and across the world.
4
5Virginia Injury Hospitalizations in 2006
Under 1 year of age
5
61 to 4 Years
6
75 to 9 Years
7
8And We All Fall Down
- Younger children fall from nursery room
furniture, baby walkers, balconies, on stairs and
out of windows. - Older children tend to fall from playground
equipment and during sports and recreational
activities.
8
9Developmental Factors
- Children have less coordination, slower reaction
times and less accuracy than adults. - Children ages 1 5 are independent, curious,
inexperienced and daring.
9
10Long-term Effects of Childhood Injuries
- Head trauma can cause brain damage resulting in
- Loss of motor function
- Problems with memory and learning
- Permanent disabilities
10
11Long-term Effects of Childhood Injuries
Strains on Family
Financial distress
Relationship issues
11
12Long-term Effects of Childhood Injuries
Strains on your Business
Liability Issues
Emotional Stress
Licensing Violations
13How could your actions contribute to or prevent
the incidence of injuries?
14Risky Business
- A momentary distraction can create a gateway
for injury - Attending to another child
- Preparing and serving meals/snacks
- Conversing with a parent /staff member
- Cleaning / sanitizing
- Answering the phone
15The Stuff that Falls are Made of
- Furniture
- Stairs
- Windows
- Loose/frayed rugs
- Slippery/uneven surfaces
- Clutter
- Toys
- Porches/decks
- Doors/doorways
- Poorly placed safety gates
- Walkers
- Bikes
- Playground
- Carts/wagons
- Strollers
- Sports/games
- Loose clothing / untied or oversized shoes
- Step stools/ladders
15
16BUT . . .
- Every risk we have identified here is preventable
!
16
17Prevention Strategies
ACTIVITY
17
18- ? Prevention Strategies ?
- Try to identify one prevention strategy for each
risk - Furniture ________________________________________
_____________________ - Stairs ___________________________________________
____________________ - Windows __________________________________________
__________________ - Rugs _____________________________________________
___________________ - Floors ___________________________________________
____________________ - Clutter __________________________________________
____________________ - Toys _____________________________________________
___________________ - Porches/balconies ________________________________
______________________ - Walkers __________________________________________
___________________ - Bikes ____________________________________________
___________________ - Playground _______________________________________
____________________ - Shopping carts ___________________________________
_____________________ - Strollers ________________________________________
_____________________ - Sports/games _____________________________________
____________________ - Footwear/clothing ________________________________
_____________________ - Ladders/household equipment ______________________
______________________
Be Careful is not a safety procedure!
19? Prevention Strategies ?
- Furniture
- Stairs
- Windows
- Loose/frayed rugs
- Slippery /uneven surfaces
- Clutter
- Toys
- Porches/decks
- Doors/doorways
- Poorly placed safety gates
- Walkers
- Bikes
- Playground
- Carts/wagons
- Strollers
- Sports/games
- Loose clothing / untied or oversized shoes
- Step stools/ladders
19
19
19
20Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Furniture
- Sofas, chairs, tables, benches, changing tables
- Never place a baby or child on furniture off
which they could roll or fall even if an infant
has never rolled over before. - Place babies in cribs or playpens when you cannot
hold them or you must walk away from them.
21Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Furniture
- Cribs / Beds / Cots
- Lower crib mattress once childs chest reaches
the top of the rails. Stop using crib once child
has outgrown the last setting. - Always use and secure guardrails on toddler beds.
- Dont let children jump on beds.
- Stack/store cots in a safe location where
children cannot access them.
22Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Stairs
- Dont let children climb or play near stairs
unsupervised. - Install safety gates at the top and bottom of
stairs when caring for young children. - Remove all clutter from stairwells and ensure
carpet/surface is in good condition.
23Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Windows
- Do not open windows with children around, or open
them from the top down. - Install window latches/locks or window bars if
necessary. - Do not place furniture, cribs or cots under
windows, as they allow easier access for
climbing. - Always cut cords on window blinds!
24Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Rugs
- Remove rugs that are frayed or torn.
- Use a non-skid backing on all throw/area rugs.
- Remove throw rugs from heavy-flow traffic paths.
25Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Surfaces / Floors
- Repair uneven boards, torn laminate, broken
tiles, floor joints and ensure there are no nails
or tacks sticking up. - Do not use cleaners or floor polish that may
create a slippery finish. - Use door mats to wipe wet shoes and outdoor mats
to scrape off ice and snow. - Keep pathways clear of clutter, toys and cords.
26Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Clutter
- Store toys and frequently used items in bins or
baskets to keep them off the floor and out of the
way. - Hang childrens belongings and backpacks in
closets or place them securely in cubbies to
prevent falling over coats and backpack straps.
27Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Toys
- Make sure toys are put away allow one
activity/toy at a time to avoid clutter build-up.
- Make sure toys are age-appropriate (ride-on
toddler toys, tricycles) and in good repair. - Use caution with second-hand toys. Purchase only
toys that meet current safety standards. Check
with the CPSC regarding recalls.
28Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Porches/decks
- Install and keep railings in good repair.
- Repair uneven boards, rotten wood and ensure
there are no nails or tacks sticking up. - In snow and ice, use salt or sand on driveways,
sidewalks and porches to prevent slips. - Install locked gates on decks/balconies with
stairs.
29Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Doors / doorways
- Ensure that doorways are kept clear of obstacles
to prevent stumbles. - Prevent crashes into doors by propping open
two-way or swinging doors. - Lock doors to prevent access to unsafe areas.
30Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Safety gates
- Ensure that gates are properly installed and
secured per manufacturers instructions. - Do not step over, or allow children to step over,
safety gates. - Do not allow children to pull or push on gates.
31Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Walkers
- The American Academy of Pediatrics says
- Throw out your baby walkers!
32Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Bikes
- Use helmets, knee
- and elbow pads.
- Ensure that bike
- paths are clear of obstacles.
- Bike should match childs size, skill and age.
33Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Playground
- Ensure that equipment meets safety standards, is
regularly inspected and in good repair. - Do not allow children to play on equipment that
is not developmentally appropriate. - Do not allow crowding, running or pushing on
playground equipment.
34Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
Playground
- Supervise young children on slides and climbers.
- Ensure that surface materials are appropriate and
kept at the appropriate depth. - Inspect playgrounds prior to each use.
35Consumer Product Safety Commission
GuidelinesApproved by the National Program for
Playground Safety
Table Critical Heights (In Feet)of Tested
Materials
36Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Strollers / Wagons / Carts
- Always use safety belts and do not allow children
to stand in strollers and carts. - Follow safety guidelines on placing children in
multi-seated strollers. - If a child cannot be properly restrained in a
stroller, discontinue its use.
37Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Sports Activities
- Do not allow children to engage in activities
that are not size and developmentally
appropriate. - Use appropriate safety equipment (helmets, pads).
- Encourage and enforce good sportsmanship.
38Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Footwear / Clothing
- Tie loose shoestrings.
- Encourage parents to dress children in
well-fitting shoes and clothing. - Develop a safe and appropriate footwear and
clothing policy for children and staff.
39Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Step stools / ladders
- Keep step stools away from
- windows and doors.
- Supervise children using
- step stools.
- Always put ladders away and store them out of
childrens reach. - Lock closets containing hazardous equipment.
40Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
- Holding carrying children
- Ensure your own safety and remove obstacles that
may cause you to trip or fall. - Sit down with a squirmy child.
- Do not carry children up and down stairs who are
capable of walking themselves, as their size and
mobility may throw you off balance supervise
children on stairs. - Always hold railings.
- Do not allow children to hold babies.
41Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
- Children with special needs disabilities
- Facilitate effective two-way communication with
family to ensure childs special needs are fully
understood. - Ensure that safe exits are accessible at all
times. - Practice your escape plan.
42Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
- Children with special mobility needs
- Ensure that pathways are kept open and clear of
obstacles that may cause a wheelchair to tip or
that may snag a walking device. - Prevent access to stairways, uneven or drop-off
surfaces. - Ensure safe activities and rules aredesigned so
other children know to use caution.
42
43Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
- Children with special visual needs
- Ensure that pathways remain clear of clutter and
obstacles. - Use bright, contrasting colors to indicate risks
such as drop-level surfaces, or mark pathways
with bright tape.
43
44Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
- Children with special hearing needs
- Use visual aids with bright, contrasting colors
to indicate risks - -stickers
- -signs
- -tape
44
45Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
- Children with special behavioral needs
- Ensure two-way communication with parents to
ensure childs needs are met. - Use visual reminders like stickers or signs to
remind children Dont Touch! or Off Limits. - Use specific, concise rules and post them if
needed.
45
46Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
- Children with special behavioral needs
- Role play and rehearse what to do in risky
situations. - Arrange for additional supervision if necessary.
46
47Prevention StrategiesDesign Safe Activities
- Age-appropriate activities
- Safety equipment
- Safe behavior
48Prevention StrategiesBehavior Modification
- Teach and model safe behavior
- Dont engage in risky behavior while children are
present
49Protection for Caregivers
- Remove obstacles
- Develop safe work habits
- Attend to your personal health and
well-being
50Educating Children Families
- Setting an example
- is not the main means of influencing another it
is the only means. - -Albert Einstein
51What knowledge will you walk away with today?
carefully
52Resources
- Virginia Department of Health Division of
Injury Prevention - http//www.vahealth.org/civp/
- Virginia Department of Social Services Division
of Licensing - www.dss.virginia.gov
- National Resource Center for Health and Safety in
Child Care and Early Education 1-800-598-KIDS
http//nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/index.html - TIPP The Injury Prevention Program of the
American Academy of Pediatrics - http//www.aap.org/family/tippmain.htm
- National Program for Playground Safety
- http//www.playgroundsafety.org/
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- www.cpsc.gov
- Safe Kids U.S.A.
- http//www.usa.safekids.org/
Additional Resources provided
53References
- Virginia Department of Health Early Childhood
Health team. - Virginia Department of Health Division of
Injury Prevention www.vahealth.org/civp - Yuwiler, J. (2000). Field lessons Strategies
to support Californias Children and Families
First Act. - http//www.chipolicy.org/pdf/FLOralhealth.pdf
- Harborview Injury Prevention Research Center
http//depts.washington.edu/hiprc/ - TIPP American Academy of Pediatrics
http//www.aap.org/family/tippmain.htm - National Program for Playground Safety
http//www.playgroundsafety.org/ - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov - Wisconsin Injury Prevention Program
http//dhfs.wisconsin.gov/health/injuryprevention/
- Office-Based Counseling for Unintentional Injury
Prevention - http//aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/f
ull/pediatrics119/1/202
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