by: Saffron - 28-09-04 20:27
I am working with one to two year olds and finding I have a lot of low back pain. I think it is from lifting onto the nappy changer, into cots and highchairs and constantly stooping to pick up toys. I bend my knees when I lift and know how to lift properly. Does anyone know the solution to this, otherwise I will have to leave my job.
by: spannahxxx
in our last staff meeting we had a physio come into the nursery to give us a talk on our backs. Some of the things that they said to us was; don't sit on child size chairs as they will do nore harm than you think (in our nursery this is all that is available), if possible change a baby with them positioned in front of you rather to the side, pick them up crouched down with your knees bent. Also they suggested that exercise like pilates and yoga, these focus on posture and will strengthen the natural corset muscles that support the lower back
back pain - 02-10-04 11:38by: jrennie1984
I have the same problem with my back often at the bottom and across my shoulders. I asked my boss if it was possible to have an adult size chair in my room and was made to feel like this request made me lazy! We have never been told how to lift children properly and the changing mats face to the side. I am sometimes taking painkillers to ease the pain in my back in other jobs with heavy lifting staff are given a short course on how to do it safely nursery nurses should have the same.
back pain - 04-10-04 14:47by: calvin
Your employer should have carried out a risk assessment which would show any areas of risk of injury to staff
They should then address by either removing the risk or providing safe alternatives/methods
Has this been done?
If not, employer is failing in their legal duties under the Health and Safety At Work Act and the Manual handling operations regulations
back pain - 26-09-05 23:23by: flopsy113
i have a bad back due to lifting 2-3 year olds you need to make sure that you dont use your lower back. always bend down and pull the children in to you. i have had phsio before for it. pull in your tummy and then use your legs to push yourself up.
back pain - 26-09-05 23:28by: Shelli
But don't forget one important point...the larger/older the child, the more strain on your back so as well as following manual handeling proceedures . . .
IF IN DOUBT GET DOWN TO THE CHILD'S LEVEL!!
You can crouch down to comfort them at their own level(especially older toddlers and pre-school) rather than picking them up and causing yourself problems
