Smart Start Safe Work Practices For Educational Assistants School Boards’ Cooperative Inc. Work...

Smart Start

Safe Work Practices

For

Educational Assistants

School Boards’ Cooperative Inc.Work Wellness 2010

Introduction

• SBCI and your school are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all staff.

• 42% of all lost time injuries in Ontario are due to musculoskeletal disorders (strains and sprains).

• Musculoskeletal disorders are preventable.


Goals

1. To increase your awareness of health and safety.

2. To explain ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders.

3. To teach you how to work safely.

4. To teach you about your body and how to take care of it.


Be Aware

• Pay attention to your surroundings.• Work safely.• Avoid short cuts.• Don’t be complacent.• Report problems and hazards.• Listen to your body. • Consult with the Occupational

Therapist (OT) and Physiotherapist (PT) who knows the child you are working with.


Be Prepared, Be Safe


Hazards

• EAs are exposed to a number of different hazards.

• When prepared these hazards are not a problem.

• When unprepared or surprised a hazard can lead to injury.

Work Wellness 2010


Be Prepared

• Dress for the occasion– Wear comfortable non-

slip footwear loafers or running shoes.

– Wear layered breathable clothing.

– Wear clothing that fits, but does not restrict your movement.

Work Wellness 2010


Be Prepared

• Prevent contamination – clean up

• Wear gloves that:• are appropriate for the

task, undamaged, and fit well.

• Discarded after each use.


Be Prepared

• Check equipment– Do you have the right equipment for

the job or task.– Don’t use broken or malfunctioning

equipment.– Report broken equipment

immediately.– Have a plan should you need to

perform tasks in an alternate fashion due to equipment failure.

• Keep projectiles away from students prone to throwing


Take a Break

• Take micro breaks or mini breaks

• EAs are to receive a 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Do not bank your time. Take your breaks as scheduled so that your body has an opportunity to rest


Understanding Injury

• The musculoskeletal system is made up of bone, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood supply.

• Injuries can occur to back, neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.


School Boards’ Cooperative Inc. Work Wellness 2010

What Causes Injury?

• Repetition.• Forceful actions.• Poor postures and movements –

awkward postures.

• Doing any of these for a long period of time increases the risk of injury.


Examples


Prevention

Preventing injury is everyone’s responsibility.


What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

• Discomfort• Pain• Numbness• Tingling • Swelling

• Weakness, • Decreased

ability to move• Cold

hands/feet• Changes in

skin colour • Fatigue


What To Do If You Have Symptoms?

• Report them immediately to your supervisor.

• Get medical advice and treatment.• Work with the joint health and

safety committee, your supervisor and co-workers to find the root cause of the problem.


Body Mechanics

• The act of maintaining proper position during movement.


What Does Good Posture Like?


Straight Back.

• A straight back has some slight curves that are natural and normal.

• A straight back is when we preserve the natural curves, and we don’t bend or hunch.


Avoiding Poor Posture

Poor posture is often the result of:

• Being out of shape and not fit

• Moving your body incorrectly many times.

You should avoid or minimize:

• Over reaching and leaning

• Working overhead• Repetitive

movements• Heavy forceful

movements• Bending and twisting

at the waist


• Transferring a student should always be considered a heavy task.

• Create and preserve transfer situations and avoid lifts.

• Consult with the OT and PT written plan for the student.

Transferring Principles


Before The Transfer• Assess and know the physical

capability of the student. • Know your own limits (size and

strength). • Adjust the heights of furniture

and equipment where transfers occur so that they match.

• Ensure that there is adequate lighting in the environment.

• Ensure that the transfer distance is as short as possible.

• Position all chairs etc. close to student.

• Ensure firm footing.


During the Transfer

• Use available grab bars, pivot discs, transfer boards or transfer belts as prescribed by the OT and PT.

• Ensure good communication between staff during a transfer.

• Verbalize the transfer process to the student and begin when the student is ready.


During the Transfer con’t• Bend your knees, use your

legs, and keep your back straight when transferring.

• Agree on timing count or use queuing signals with students and/or staff assisting.

• Avoid rushing.• Avoid stooping,

bending or twisting at the waist

• Move your feet.


Transfer To and From Chair to Toilet/Table/Plinth

• Apply good transfer principles.

• Prepare the area (raise toilet lid, secure grab bars, clear table).

• Lock wheels on the chair.• Move or remove arms/trays. • Use your legs, bend your

knees, and keep your back straight.

• Get close to the student.


Transfer to and from Floor to Chair

• Determine if this is a two person transfer.

• Ensure the floor environment is secure and free from obstacles.

• Provide padding/mats.• Lock wheels on the chair.• Use your legs.• Get the student to use the chair

to assist in raising and lowering.• Coordinate your efforts.• Proceed in stages (floor to

kneeling to standing, then pivot and sit).



Lifting Principles

• Plan ahead and practice lifting and carrying

• Get a grip• Keep all loads close to the

body• Use your legs and keep

your back straight• Move your feet and avoid

twisting• Cradle loads and bring

close to body


Back Facts

• 80% of all back pain is musculoskeletal

• The more fit you are, the less likely you are to have a back or neck complaint.

• Most of the time low back pain is not related to a specific event

• Most low back pain is caused by repetitive stress to muscle and ligaments


Remember

Lifting heavy loads increases the risk of back injury.

Don’t lift anything that is too heavy – be sure you are comfortable with the lift.


Lifting Small Children

• Have the student help.• Ensure the student is calm.• Crouch down to the level of

the student.• Get close to the student.• Hold on to the student.


Remember

The more often you lift and the greater the weight the more likely you are to injure your back, shoulders and hands.

Minimize lifting and/or use mechanical lifts whenever possible.


Lifting from Chair to Change Table• Use mechanical lifts• Ensure that all straps

are properly fastened• Guide, don’t push and

pull • Pushing and pulling

heavy loads can injure the shoulders and arms




Lifting from Floor to Chair

• The greater the difference between lifting levels the greater the risk.

• Always work with a partner. • A mechanical lift should be your

first choice.• Get close to the student


Partner Lifting• Make sure that you communicate • Make sure partner(s) understand their

role(s)• Use good lift techniques• Balance the load between the lifters• Adjust the load for lifters who are

different heights• Stand with feet shoulder width apart• Lift at the same time in preparation for

lifting the load• Push up with your legs keeping the

head and shoulders straight as the lift begins

• Time or count when lifting



Pushing and Pulling Wheelchairs

• Ensure that the student is secure before you begin moving.

• Remove any obstacles from your path.

• Prop open doors or get help opening the doors.

• Release brakes.• Protect shoulders wrists

and arms.


Pushing and Pulling Wheelchairs

• Stay close to the chair to avoid over reaching.

• Proceed at a slow and steady pace.

• Check wheels for debris.• Pull only when necessary.• Get help• Make pushing easier• Make sure there is adequate

clearance as you go through doorways


Manual Guiding - Ambulatory Students• Stay close to the student.• Proceed at a moderate pace.• Look ahead for hazards.• Make sure the student is wearing

proper footwear.• For students who pull or jump

avoid attempts to restrain them unless there is a risk of harm to the student.

• Use your whole body when guiding, and place your hand on the student’s back.


Manual Guiding- Non-Ambulatory Self-Propelled Students

• Ensure that there are no obstacles in the travel path.

• Understand how the wheel chair or assistive device works.

• Be aware of hallway traffic. • Use the automatic door openers if available.• Use verbal directives to assist the student to

safely maneuver through hallways, doorways etc.

• Get help if necessary to avoid getting stuck and get help if stuck.


Manual Guiding on the Stairs

• When accompanying someone up and down stairs ensure that they use the handrail or wall.


Feeding• Prepare the student for their meal. • Use a non slip surface to prevent dishes from

sliding.• Prepare utensils and equipment ahead of time,

and ensure that they are fastened/placed correctly.

• Wash your hands and wear gloves.

• Ensure that you have a comfortable seat that allows you to be at the same level as the student when feeding.

• Check the food temperatures for safety.


Feeding

• Get close to the student. • Place the meal so that the

person can reach it.• Give the student verbal or

visual cues.• Feed students slowly and

give them small bites to prevent choking.

• Use utensils as much as possible.

• Clean all equipment and store properly.


Hygiene

• Educational Assistants can often be exposed to biological and chemical hazards.

• Biological Hazards include blood or other body fluids, fungi, bacteria and viruses, and fecal matter.

• Chemical Hazards include cleaning products, solvents, gases and flammable materials like gasoline and solvents.


Hygiene – Staying Safe

• Cover up (gloves, shoes, sleeves)

• Disinfect bathroom and eating areas

• Clean up and discard • Wash with antibacterial soap• Clean handles• Do not use unlabelled substances

and never mix substances• Work in a well ventilated areas and

use available fans• Read the instructions


Hygiene – I’ve been exposed!

• Skin Punctured – cut or bitten while at work

• Clean the wound thoroughly and cover to prevent infection. Consult an health professional.

• Suspect you were exposed to a contagion or toxic substance.

• Consult a health professional immediately.

• Report all incidents to your supervisor.


Physical Therapy

• Consult with the OT and/or PT and use the written plan.

• Make sure you understand what therapy you are providing and how to provide it safely.

• If transferring or lifting follow safe principles.

• Prepare floor mats, therapy bed or plinth.


Passive Therapy• Give clear instructions to the

student before proceeding. • Avoid putting your wrists in

an awkward position. • Ensure that you are secure

on the table/plinth.• Maintain your balance.• Do not tug on the student.• Use your legs and body when

exerting force.


Active Therapy

• Provide instruction.• Demonstrate for clarity.• Ensure environment is safe.


Field Trips

• Field trips complicate safety because the environment is often uncontrolled.

• You can increase safety by planning ahead and knowing what to do on the trip.


Field Trips – Planning Ahead

• Transportation• Conditions• Prepare the student• Supplies (medicines, change of

clothes, medical information, etc.)• Check equipment• Check the weather• Maps and directions.• Emergency plan and numbers• Know the location (washrooms, exits,

ramps, stairs, elevators and phone)


Field Trips – On the Trip

• Be aware • Scout ahead• Be patient• Follow safety rules when onsite• Don’t forget good hygiene

practices• Participate only in activities that

are appropriate for the student• Ask for help• Don’t leave a student unattended


Dressing/Undressing Principles• Ensure all necessary items are

available. • Always get to the level of the

student. • Ensure the student is calm.• Talk to the student and tell them

are doing as you proceed. • For small children sit or crouch

behind them and reach forward to dress them.

• For larger students you will likely have to move around them.


Pull Over Sweaters/Tops

Dressing• Bunch sweater like panty

hose and place over student’s head.

• Do the same for each sleeve and get each hand through the sleeve.

• Straighten sleeves and then straighten sweater down the body.

• If the student is in a wheelchair, have them lean forward if possible and work the sweater down the back side first and then straighten the front

Undressing• Remove one sleeve at a

time.• Bunch material toward

head and remove all at once.


Coats and Front Opening SweatersDressing• Put on one sleeve and

slide coat around the back.

• Then put on the second sleeve and zip or button the front

Undressing• Ensure all gloves

and mittens are removed first.

• Unfasten the garment.

• Remove one sleeve.

• Slide around back.

• Remove other sleeve.


Shoes and Boots

Dressing• Do not place

yourself directly in front of the student.

• Straighten socks • Slide footwear over

the toes and hold. • With the other hand

take the back of the footwear and pull over the heel.

Undressing• Loosen

fastenings. • Begin removal

from the heel. • Slide footwear

off.


Remember

Let students do as much as they can. Not only does it promote independence it also makes your workload lighter.


Avoiding Conflicts with StudentsAvoiding Conflicts with students involves prevention strategies, de-escalation and personal safety.

Remember - physical intervention/ involvement of any kind is always

the absolute last resort, and never use any form of restraint unless imminent danger exists and no other options are available.


Prevention Strategies

• Organize the workspace• PPE• Watch for weapons• Know the volatile students• Know where and how to access help (911)• Be aware of student conflicts,

tendencies and personalities• Know your students’ risk factors, and

triggers• Create protective factors and

avoid conflictSchool Boards’ Cooperative Inc.

Work Wellness 2010

De-Escalation – Non-Verbal Techniques• maintain a

calm, caring, professional attitude;

• use the Safe, Supportive Stance;

• use a non-confrontational tone;

• present a relaxed, non-confrontational body language;

• don't take anger/behaviour personally

• note the subject's body language;

• avoid showing anger or outrage or fear


De-Escalation – Verbal Techniques

• allow/accept venting• do not vent yourself• listen to what is being said • make it clear that you hear concerns• state your concerns clearly and calmly• do not give ultimatums• state reasonable limits• try to avoid confrontational statements

On some occasions,

it is best to say and do nothing!


Personal Safety

• use the safe, supportive stance; • remove the target if possible;• remove the audience;• know about and use personal

protective equipment • take training to learn further

strategies on prevention, de-escalation and personal safety


Desk Work

• Do not sit on child-sized chairs. • Sit close to students.• Use a small stool or height

adjustable chair for low surfaces.• Avoid standing and bending at the

waist. • Limit your time, in any one

posture.• When kneeling make sure that

there is padding under the knees.


Desk Work

• Alternate the side on which you sit. • Alternating sides and leaning

versus upright posture alleviates stress on any one area of the body.

• When you stand up at the end of a teaching session, stretch your arms overhead.

• If you sit for a long period of time consider using a pillow or back support for you lumbar spine.




Computer Work


Slips, Trips, Falls

• One of the most common ways of becoming injured.

• Slips and trips lead to falls.


Slips

Slips happen when there is too little traction between the footwear and the floor, such as:

• wet, waxed or oily floors,• loose mats or carpets,• improper footwear (slippery

soles, heels),• weather hazards,• accidental spills.


Trips

Trips happen when your foot hits something that causes you to lose your balance. Trips are caused by:

• poor lighting, • unsecured cables or cords,• uneven surfaces, • clutter, • obstructed view, • open drawers, and • objects in your way.


Preventing Slips, Trips, Falls

• Good Housekeeping• Appropriate Footwear• Appropriate Pace


Stairs• Avoid carrying objects up

and down stairs whenever possible.

• Make use of the handrail or wall for balance.

• Maintain a steady pace.• Go with the flow.


Body Basics – Taking Care of You

• Get Plenty of Rest (8 hours a day)– Fatigue increases the risk of injury

• Fuel-up– Food is fuel

• Exercise Regularly– Stay strong


Stretches


Thank You


Date post:	16-Dec-2015
Category:	Documents
Upload:	trevion-campany
View:	220 times
Download:	0 times

Smart Start Safe Work Practices For Educational Assistants School Boards’ Cooperative Inc. Work...

Documents