14 Mar Childcare Worker Safety

Childcare Worker Safety

Childcare workers care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children in environments that can present ergonomic, slip and fall, infectious disease, bloodborne pathogen, chemical, and environmental hazards. Because workers are responsible for both their own safety and the safety of children in their care, safe work practices and constant supervision are essential.

Ergonomics and Safe Lifting

Frequent lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, and working at child-height can contribute to back, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal injuries.

To reduce ergonomic hazards:

• Use steps or other safe methods that allow children who are able to climb independently to reach changing tables, sinks, or other elevated surfaces rather than lifting them.
• Kneel or squat to interact with children instead of repeatedly bending at the waist.
• Keep children and other loads close to the body when lifting or carrying.
• Avoid twisting while lifting.
• Use the legs when lifting and maintain the natural curve of the back.
• Avoid prolonged stooping or hunching while cleaning tables, arranging cots, or performing other low-level tasks.
• Alternate tasks and change positions periodically to reduce repetitive strain.
• Ask for assistance when lifting or moving loads that cannot be handled safely.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Small furniture, toys, spills, rugs, and children moving unpredictably through work areas can create significant slip and trip hazards.

Employees should:

• Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear with slip-resistant soles.
• Keep floors, aisles, exits, and walking surfaces free of toys and other obstructions.
• Clean spills promptly and appropriately identify wet areas until they are dry.
• Secure rugs and mats to prevent movement or curled edges.
• Avoid running or rushing through childcare areas.
• Maintain a clear view of the travel path when carrying children or materials.
• Use approved step stools or ladders when necessary rather than standing on chairs, tables, or other furniture.

Infection Prevention and Hand Hygiene

Childcare employees may be exposed to infectious diseases through respiratory secretions, saliva, blood, feces, urine, contaminated surfaces, or close personal contact.

Frequent and effective handwashing is one of the most important methods of preventing transmission. Employees should wash their hands:

• Before preparing, serving, or eating food;
• After changing diapers or assisting with toileting;
• After contact with blood or other body fluids;
• After wiping noses or handling respiratory secretions;
• After removing gloves;
• After cleaning contaminated surfaces;
• After caring for an ill child; and
• Whenever hands are visibly contaminated.

Frequently touched surfaces, changing areas, toys, tables, counters, sinks, and other equipment should be cleaned and disinfected according to facility procedures and the directions for the disinfectant being used.

Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants shall be properly labeled, stored securely away from children, and used according to the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Bloodborne Pathogens

Employees who have reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials shall follow the facility’s Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.

Use appropriate precautions when:

• Providing first aid;
• Handling blood or blood-contaminated materials;
• Managing cuts or other injuries; and
• Cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Wear disposable gloves whenever hand contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials can reasonably be anticipated. Additional PPE, such as eye or face protection, should be used when splashing is reasonably anticipated.

Remove gloves properly and wash hands immediately afterward. Report occupational exposure incidents promptly and follow established post-exposure procedures.

Glove Safety

Disposable gloves do not replace proper handwashing.

Select gloves appropriate for the task. Non-latex alternatives should be available when appropriate because natural rubber latex can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Powdered natural-rubber latex gloves should not be used as a preferred means of reducing exposure; glove powder can increase exposure to latex proteins.

Gloves used for diapering, first aid, cleaning, or other contaminated activities shall not be reused.

Head Lice and Other Communicable Conditions

Head lice can spread primarily through direct hair-to-hair contact and, less commonly, through shared personal items.

To help reduce transmission:

• Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, towels, bedding, and similar personal items.
• Follow the facility’s procedures when lice or another communicable condition is identified.
• Clean or manage affected items according to established procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality when addressing a child’s or employee’s condition.

Employees should not diagnose or prescribe treatment for children unless specifically qualified and authorized to do so.

Outdoor and Environmental Safety

Childcare workers may be exposed to heat, cold, sunlight, insects, and other outdoor hazards while supervising children.

Employees should:

• Use appropriate sun protection when working outdoors.
• Stay hydrated during hot weather.
• Wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of heat- and cold-related illness.
• Use shaded or sheltered areas when appropriate.
• Inspect outdoor play areas for hazards before use.
• Maintain appropriate supervision during all outdoor activities.

Safe Childcare Environment

Employees should routinely inspect childcare areas and correct or report hazards such as:

• Damaged toys or equipment;
• Unstable furniture;
• Improperly maintained playground equipment;
• Standing water;
• Unsecured electrical cords or outlets;
• Accessible medicines, chemicals, or cleaning products;
• Choking or strangulation hazards;
• Sharp objects;
• Damaged floor surfaces; and
• Blocked exits or emergency equipment.

Medicines, chemicals, cleaning products, and other hazardous materials shall be properly labeled and secured where children cannot access them.

Supervision and Emergency Preparedness

Children require active and appropriate supervision based on their age, activities, and environment. Employees should know facility procedures for emergencies, including fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, missing children, and evacuation.

Employees should know:

• Emergency contact procedures;
• Evacuation routes and assembly areas;
• Locations of first-aid supplies and emergency equipment;
• Procedures for reporting injuries and incidents; and
• Which employees are designated or trained to provide first aid and CPR.

Never use restraints, cords, equipment, or positioning methods that could create a suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation hazard.

Remember

Childcare workers must protect themselves while protecting the children entrusted to their care. Good ergonomics, infection control, housekeeping, appropriate PPE, hazard recognition, and constant supervision are essential to a safe childcare environment.