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In the Child Care Setting

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Preventing Slips, Trips & . . . Falls In the Child Care Setting * Supervise young children on s and climbers. Ensure that surface materials are appropriate and ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: In the Child Care Setting


1
Preventing Slips, Trips . . . Falls
  • In the Child Care Setting

2
Preventing 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

3
Every 2 ½ minutes in the U.S., a child is seen in
an emergency room for an unintentional
injury. -VDH
3
4
Incidence 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
5
Virginia Injury Hospitalizations in 2006
Under 1 year of age
5
6
1 to 4 Years
6
7
5 to 9 Years
7
8
And 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
9
Developmental Factors
  • Children have less coordination, slower reaction
    times and less accuracy than adults.
  • Children ages 1 5 are independent, curious,
    inexperienced and daring.

9
10
Long-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
11
Long-term Effects of Childhood Injuries
Strains on Family
Financial distress
Relationship issues
11
12
Long-term Effects of Childhood Injuries
Strains on your Business
Liability Issues
Emotional Stress
Licensing Violations
13
How could your actions contribute to or prevent
the incidence of injuries?
14
Risky 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

15
The 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
16
BUT . . .
  • Every risk we have identified here is preventable
    !

16
17
Prevention 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
20
Prevention 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.

21
Prevention 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.

22
Prevention 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.

23
Prevention 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!

24
Prevention 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.

25
Prevention 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.

26
Prevention 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.

27
Prevention 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.

28
Prevention 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.

29
Prevention 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.

30
Prevention 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.

31
Prevention StrategiesSafety-proof your
environment
  • Walkers
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics says
  • Throw out your baby walkers!

32
Prevention 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.

33
Prevention 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.

34
Prevention 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.

35
Consumer Product Safety Commission
GuidelinesApproved by the National Program for
Playground Safety
Table Critical Heights (In Feet)of Tested
Materials
36
Prevention 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.

37
Prevention 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.

38
Prevention 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.

39
Prevention 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.

40
Prevention 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.

41
Prevention 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.

42
Prevention 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
43
Prevention 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
44
Prevention StrategiesConsider Developmental
Needs Concerns
  • Children with special hearing needs
  • Use visual aids with bright, contrasting colors
    to indicate risks
  • -stickers
  • -signs
  • -tape

44
45
Prevention 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
46
Prevention 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
47
Prevention StrategiesDesign Safe Activities
  • Age-appropriate activities
  • Safety equipment
  • Safe behavior

48
Prevention StrategiesBehavior Modification
  • Teach and model safe behavior
  • Dont engage in risky behavior while children are
    present

49
Protection for Caregivers
  • Protect Yourself!
  • Remove obstacles
  • Develop safe work habits
  • Attend to your personal health and
    well-being

50
Educating Children Families
  • Setting an example
  • is not the main means of influencing another it
    is the only means.
  • -Albert Einstein

51
What knowledge will you walk away with today?
carefully
52
Resources
  • 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

53
References
  • 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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