Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hello Everyone,

I have been stuck/confused by this question for weeks now.. From what I do understand the desired outcome is that you want to reduce accidents by 50% however when it comes to the strategies part of the assignment, what strategies are we looking for? Are we looking for strategies to address the issues in the analysis (injuries and accidents) or are we looking for strategies that will best engage the team into finding solutions? Or is it everything? Please Help.. This is so confusing..

Complacency?
An analysis of accidents and near misses over the last 3 months involving both children and staff has revealed a disturbing pattern of possible complacency. The analysis shows:
• Most accidents involving children occurred during outdoor late afternoon play
• Most injuries and near misses involving staff occurred when setting up and packing away equipment (outdoors slightly more than indoors)
• Injuries to staff under 25 occurred at twice the rate as injuries to staff over 25.
• The most common form of injury to children was falls
• The most common form of injury to staff was entrapment of fingers, dropping objects on feet and back strain.

The Director Trish must decide how to address this issue in order to reduce accidents by 50%. Trish knows that the most effective strategy is to engage the team in developing an action plan.
Devise an action plan for Trish to address the issues. You will need to suggest:
i. Desired outcomes
ii. Strategies - How to best engage the team in finding solutions
iii. How to take into account existing policies and procedures
iv. What factors are contributing to the likelihood of accidents/near misses (human/physical)?
v. Address training needs
vi. Write a criteria for evaluating the action plan

OK so first use the information within the scenario to help work out possible strategies to resolve accidents and injuries.

Most accidents involving children occurred during outdoor late afternoon play

Is this occurring because of lack of supervision?
Children are too hyperactive?
Is there uneven flooring outside?
What hazards are causing the children to fall?

What strategies can be used to solve this?

Think of other ways to occupy the children other than playing outside...
Do any hazards outside need to be addressed
Are there enough staff to supervise?

The most common form of injury to staff was entrapment of fingers, dropping objects on feet and back strain"

- Do doors need door stops, to stop it from closing straight away?
- Staff need to understand Back Care and how to correctly lift objects
- Staff should be trained in manual handling

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina