Health And Safety In A Nursery

Before considering what measures of child care providers can effectively take to reduce exposure to risk may be we should first examine what risk is. Risk can be defined as a danger, a source of danger, the possibility of loss or misfortune, or in other words an accident waiting to happen.

So what can nurseries, schools and providers of care other then actually do to manage risks and ensure that the safety of our children is always at the forefront of their minds?

Well for starters, they may conduct a risk assessment on their premises, which is perhaps better organized, arranged and co-ordinated by the person who is ultimately responsible for health and safety at the nursery or school.

And while risk assessment is need not be complicated, it may take time as it is to consider each local area and noting the potential risks or hazards. It should also include consideration of existing security measures in place and make recommendations on how the implementation of additional security measures could reduce these risks even further.

The fact is that accidents occur in nurseries, schools and all types of businesses, but by following a few simple checks the chances of an accident can be reduced. And as owner, manager or person responsible for health and safety has a duty of care to employees, children, visitors or anyone visiting the local risk assessment and ultimately risk reduction is vital.

Some areas that nurseries, schools and providers of care should consider other first consider whether a risk exists, then put in place preventive measures to reduce them.

Trips, slips and falls - Have you driven a leak in the ground or other obstruction? Is there spill water or other liquids? And if so, what measures are there to respond to these when they occur and to warn others? Are there loose rugs, mats, carpets or other floor coverings including planks or tiles? The lighting is at school or nursery sufficient (especially on stairs and in the cellars or basements)?

First Aid and Accidents - Do you have a first-aid equipment on site? Do you have employees trained in first aid? Do you have systems in place to deal with accidents, including transportation device to the hospital if necessary?

The security staff - are members of staff may work alone or handle money? Do they have a facility to seek help and trigger an alarm?

Regions outside - your playground outside is adequate supervision? In the play equipment that you provide adequately been tested and is suitable for children to use? Are children playing near plants that could be toxic? Do you have systems in place to prevent or treat sunburn and insect bites?

These are just some examples of potential risks that may exist in a nursery school, kindergarten or other child care. If you are sure to make a risk assessment with the intention to reduce your exposure to risk, not only will you ensure that your employees and children are protected, but you can also see a reduction in your insurance nursery, the school insurance or other insurance companies. Because many insurance providers to reward service providers for child care with discounts and savings on premiums that have good risk management procedures.

There's really no excuse for modern nurseries, schools and kindergartens to failure to ensure that their premises are as safe as possible to ensure you do your best to protect children your charge - failing to do so really, it's not worth the risk.