Setting up the classroom
Background:
Injuries often happen at the beginning of the school year, when teachers are setting up their classrooms. (We’ll cover end-of-year issues in a separate training.)
Consider asking:
Do you know someone who experienced muscle soreness or an injury while setting up their classroom?
Ask: What are some activities during classroom set-up that increase injury risk?
- Lifting and moving boxes to and from high shelves
- Carrying and moving materials from vehicles to classrooms
- Using ladders to hang decorations
- Other risks?
Ask: What can we do to decrease injury risk?
- Use equipment to make the task easier
- What is available: carts, hand trucks, step stools, ladders, etc.
- Where is it located?
- Is training required?
- Get help, especially with heavy or awkward items. Work in teams when possible.
- Don’t overload boxes. Keep them at a manageable weight.
- Avoid storing heavy or awkward items on high shelves.
- Avoid rushing. Focus on the task at hand.
- When lifting, use good body mechanics
- Test the load.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Flex your knees.
- Maintain the curve in your lower back (push your tailbone back and look forward).
- Avoid twisting.
- Practice ladder safety.
- Participate in ladder safety training. This Oregon OSHA publication has detailed information, visit: http://osha.oregon.gov/ OSHAPubs/3083.pdf
- Use the right ladder or step stool for the job (no chairs, desks, or boxes).
- Inspect the ladder before using to ensure it is in good repair.
- Move the ladder instead of reaching to the side.
Ask: Any safety concerns or suggestions?
For more on this topic, visit saif.com/education.