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Chapter 5:
Safety Management

Chapter 5: Safety Management

What is Unintentional Injuries?

An accidents when referring to

injuries sustained by children

Most instances, factors contributing

to an accident are preventable

Chapter 5: Safety Management

What is Unintentional Injuries?

Injuries most often attributed to

environmental hazard, lack of
appropriate training and adult
supervision or a childs immature
development

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Video for discussions

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Types of hazards caused by unintentional

injuries

Burns
Falls
Toys
Sharp Objects
Suffocation
Play areas
Bath

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Types of hazards caused by unintentional

injuries

Poisoning
Gates, windows, doors
Traffic
Tools and equipment
Firearms
Sports

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Ensuring Childrens Safety

The most important safety

precaution in group child
care is adequate and
continuous supervision of
children.

Children should always be

monitored and cared for
in safe conditions.

Children need teachers

who model good safety
practices during
classroom activities.

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Safety Risks for Children

Children are exposed to
hazards in both indoor and
outdoor environments.
Staff members must make
sure the furniture, toys, and
play structures are safe.

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Developing a Safety Policy

Creating and following a risk
management plan helps staff
and children remain calm
and respond quickly to any
emergency.

risk management plan

Emergency procedures established in writing.

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Risk Management Plans

Risk management plans contain
procedures for
fire
weather emergencies
bomb or other violent threats
health-related epidemics
keeping survival supplies on
hand

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Chapter 5: Safety Management

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Developing a Safety Policy

The local safety agencies can provide information on
preparation and response.
Fire Evacuation Drills
Fire evacuation diagrams must be posted.
Hold fire drills monthly.

Severe Weather and Disaster Drills

Electrical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards,
floods, earthquakes, mudslides, wildfires, and explosions
require an evacuation plan.

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Injury and Accident Prevention

Careful observation is important

for accident prevention.

prevention
Taking action to keep something from
happening.

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Chapter 5: Safety Management

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Injury and Accident Prevention

The number and severity of incidents
can be limited with prevention.
Always be alert to safety hazards that
put children in danger.
Respond quickly and calmly to prevent
children from hurting themselves or
others.

Chapter 5: Safety Management

Developing a Safety Policy

Early childhood program directors develop a
safety policy to ensure safe conditions.

safety policy
A statement of the rules and procedures that protect
children and staff.

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Chapter 5: Safety Management

Developing a Safety Policy

A safety policy addresses
o

the facility

transportation

toy safety and safety inspections

emergency and evacuation procedures

rules for children's conduct

positive methods of discipline

dealing with strangers

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Chapter 5: Safety Management

Safety Documentation
A safety policy addresses
Staff members need to be familiar with forms
pertaining to

injuries.
suspected abuse.
releasing children.
emergency treatment
waiver.

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Chapter 5: Safety Management

Ensuring Staff Health and Safety

A safety policy addresses
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) guidelines help employers prevent workrelated injuries and illness.
Staff members should obtain first aid and CPR
certificates.
Many states require fingerprinting and a criminal
background check.

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Chapter 5: Safety Management

Injury and Accident Prevention

Safety Inspections
Inspect indoor and outdoor areas daily.
Use a checklist to check toys and
equipment for wear and damage.
Report hazards and dispose of litter.

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THE

END