Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. UNIT 6 SAFETY PROMOTION
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. The 5 Ws of Safety The 5 Ws of Safety WHO WHY WHERE WHEN WHAT
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. In Canada, children under 14: Over 40,000 are hospitalized each year; 500 die each year Injuries account for: 32% of deaths for 1 to 4 year olds 41% of deaths for 5 to 9 year olds 52% of deaths for 10 to 14 year olds* Birth to 19 years of age, death rate is twice as high for boys as girls* *(Statistics Canada, cited in Canadian Institute of Child Health 2000, 74,106,107) *(Statistics Canada, cited in Canadian Institute of Child Health 2000, 193) Who Gets Injured?
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Children’s growth and development Temperament; gender differences Use of inappropriate or inadequate environment and/or equipment Lack of adequate supervision or safety rules Why
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. ANYWHERE ECE programs (e.g., centres) are generally less dangerous places for young children More serious injuries at ECE programs occur, most often, on the playground Where
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. ANYTIME, but more likely, Late morning & late afternoon; spring & fall; when child is hungry or tired During “relaxed supervision” When children are in new and unfamiliar situations (e.g., new equipment added) When there is a change in daily routine When
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Motor vehicle collisions & traffic mishaps Drowning Burns Choking, suffocating, & strangling Falls (# 1 reason for hospitalization) Poisoning What particular concern in centres
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Promoting Children’s Safety
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. HOW? Training Physical Environment Supervision Safety Rules: A learning process
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. TrainingRecommended: Staff have entry level skills; knowledge of child development, observation skills Standard first aid & CPR training Knowledge of reporting procedures for serious occurrences and injuries
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. If child is participating in a program: Death of a child Serious injury (where a 3rd party is involved in a follow up (i.e., doctor,dentist) Alleged abuse noticed Child goes missing (even when found after a short period of time) Reportable Serious Occurrences
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Any disaster, such as a fire on premises A complaint of a serious nature concerning the operational, physical or safety standards Any complaint of a serious nature made by or about a client
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Attend to immediate emergency – get medical attention Attend to any immediate risks Immediately report occurrence to Director Director will conduct inquiry and gather facts Contact parents or backup designate (from emergency contact numbers on file) Procedure to Follow
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Contact provincial/territorial child care office within 24 hours (Director) Other possible contacts: Police, Fire Department, Children’s Aid Coroner (in all cases of death), Health Department Serious Occurrence Form to be completed and filed within the required # of days Annually review the ECE Program’s Serious Occurrence file; complete the annual summary and analysis report
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Physical Environment Organize program’s space in such a way to prevent injuries. Consider: Furniture Layout of Room Play equipment: indoor and outdoor Safety checks
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Infant and Toddler EquipmentCribs Railings Bumper pads Pillows Strings on mobilesStrollers Brakes Locking mechanisms Safety belts Don’t overload Playpens Secure sides No stuffed toys Out of direct sun Height of childHighchairs Safety belts Locking mechanisms Placement Blind cords
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Supervision of Children Maintain educator-child ratio Adhere to guidelines for proper group sizes Adjust level of supervision for different activities (e.g., woodworking) and special circumstances and events (e.g., field trips)
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Safety Rules Before developing rules, consider: Age of child Appropriateness of the activity Potential risks and outcomes Design of environment Previous injuries Rules don’t play a primary role in injury prevention
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. When Developing Rules Remember: State in positive terms Use clear, simple language Be realistic Enforce in a consistent way Adults are role models Make time to review with children before activity
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Being Prepared For Emergencies
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Know Where to Locate the Following : Emergency exits Posted evacuation routes First-aid kits Fire extinguishers & fire alarms
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Emergency phone numbers: community and parents’ numbers Blankets and flashlights
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Child Injury Reports
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Child Injury Reports Should Include: Name of child Date of birth Date & time of injury Parents notified Description of injury How injury occurred Where injury occurred Other comments First aid administered By whom Further action (sent home) Child’s level of participation after injury Equipment or product involved
Copyright © 2004 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada. Time & date that director was notified Staff witnesses Name of Educator Signatures reporting educator parent Date Diagram can be used, when applicable. (e.g., on the following diagram, indicate site of injury with a circle) Record the following information: