Question

Research appropriate WHS considerations for the following:

• working with a cot or change table

• working at low levels (related to child height)

• moving and storing equipment

• safe computer use (ergonomics).

Summarise your findings.

Answer 1

How to lift children into and out of cots

Employers should make sure workplaces use cots which minimise the distance workers need to bend and reach to lift and lower children.

• Cots should be of a height that will enable staff to lift and lower children into and out of the cots with minimal forward bending of the worker's back.
• If cots have two base positions, set the base to the higher position for infants unable to stand. The higher base position will reduce the need for workers to reach into cots.
• Cots should have sides that drop to reduce the need for workers to bend and reach over the cot side to lift and lower children. At its dropped level, the top of the cot's lowered side should be at least 250mm above the top of the mattress to ensure children cannot roll out of the cot.
• Ensure there is enough clearance under cots so workers can stand with their feet under the edge of the cot to minimise reaching distance
• Prepare cots in advance so sides are down before workers lift children in or out.
• If cots have wheels, ensure the wheels have locks and keep wheels in the locked position when the cot is not being moved.
• Regularly check and maintain cot wheels, wheel locks and drop-down sides to ensure cots are safe and secure.
• Assess floor surfaces to ensure minimal friction and resistance when wheeling cots. Change floor surfaces so workers can easily move cots.
• Ensure cots meet all relevant structural safety requirements.

How to lift children onto and off highchairs

Employers should make sure workplaces use highchairs which minimise bending, reaching and twisting when lowering or lifting children in the chairs.

• Use highchairs with removable or adjustable trays so workers can lower or lift children before putting the tray in place.
• Use highchairs which do not have obstructions at floor level so workers can stand with their feet under the edge of the seat to minimise reaching distances when lifting children into or out of the chair.
• Use highchairs of a height that allows workers to lift and lower children into and out of the chair with minimal forward bending of the worker's back.
• If highchairs have wheels, ensure the wheels have locks and keep wheels in the locked position when the chair is not being moved.
• Assess floor surfaces to ensure minimal friction and resistance when wheeling highchairs. Change floor surfaces so workers can easily move highchairs.

How to help children onto and off change tables

Employers should make sure workplaces use change tables which minimise bending, reaching and twisting when workers help children onto and off the change tables. The list below provides suggestions on how to reduce the risk of injury.

• Use change tables with steps so children who are able can walk up and down to the change table surface, removing the need for workers to lift children. Children should be prevented from accessing the steps unsupervised or when the steps are not in use. The step size and number of steps required will depend on the size of the children using the change table.
• Use change tables with space underneath for workers' feet so workers can stand close to the child being changed.
• Use height-adjustable change tables so workers can adjust tables to waist height.
• Make sure workers have sufficient access around the change table so they can change the child from a front position with the child's feet facing the worker's stomach.
• Make sure changing supplies are within easy reach, reducing the need for workers to repeatedly twist, bend or use an extended reach.
• Avoid change tables that require children to be left unrestrained or require the worker to use force, bend, twist or reach when helping children onto and off the change table.

• Workers experience musculoskeletal injuries
  (eg sprains, strains, fractures and soft tissue injuries)
  from working at low levels in children’s services.
  Working at low levels includes working at floor level,
  crouching, kneeling or sitting on children’s furniture.What are the risks?
  Workers may be at risk of injuries from:
  awkward postures due to sitting on children’s
  furniture or the floor
  awkward postures due to crouching or kneeling
  at floor level
  tripping or falling due to raising or lowering the
  body to/from low levels
  no adult-sized seating options being available
  working at low levels for long durations.
  What are solutions to the problems?
  Equipment
  Provide adult sized chairs that are adjustable for
  seat height, backrest height and tilt.Provide children’s chairs that are higher and
  matched to the age/size of children.
  Provide additional seating options for workers
  (eg adult-sized chairs, reading chairs or couches).
  Include features in outdoor play areas for
  workers to sit on as an alternative to squatting,
  crouching or sitting at ground level.
• What is the problem?
  Moving and lifting objects such as equipment or furniture
  from the ground, low levels or above shoulder height.
  What are the risks?
  Workers may be at risk of musculoskeletal injuries
  (eg sprains, strains, fractures and soft tissue injuries)
  to the back and shoulders when moving objects that are
  large, bulky, awkward or difficult to handle.
• What are solutions to the problem?
  Systems
  Before services are provided, employers should
  identify the risks and provide risk controls in consultation
  with workers and health and safety representatives.
  Develop systems of work that:
  • provide workers with information, instruction, training
  and supervision in relation to work procedures and use
  of equipment
  • provide hazard reporting processes so safety issues
  can be identified and fixed as soon as possible
  • maintain equipment and aids in a suitable condition
  through regular maintenance and inspections
•