REDUCING BACK INJURY AMONG PROVIDERS
Resources for Child Care Givers
Provided by All Family Resources

Back injury is the most common cause of occupational injury for child care providers. You can prevent back injury by using:

• Proper lifting technique, such as keeping the child as close as possible to you and avoiding any twisting motion as you lift the child. Also, always lower the crib side before lifting the child out.
• Adult furniture; providers should not use child-sized chairs, tables, or desks.
• Adult-height changing tables.
• A ramp or small, stable stepladders or stairs to allow children, with constant supervision, to climb up to changing tables or other places to which they would ordinarily be lifted.
• Convenient equipment for moving children, reducing the necessity for carrying them long distances. For example, using a multi-seat carriage to transport children to a nearby park.
• Comfortable chairs with back support (rockers, gliders, etc.) for holding children for long periods of time.