Update: April 2011
Back pain – don’t suffer in silence
Have you experienced back, neck, shoulder, hip or knee discomfort? The chances are that if you work with young children you will have!
Are you familiar with sitting on children's plastic chairs, stooping over and working at low tables, kneeling to assist children at the computer? If so, you are putting yourself at risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal injury.
There is an inescapable problem facing all adults who work with young children height difference! As education staff communicate with and assist children at low heights, damaging postures are often adopted. These include repetitive bending, twisting and over-stretching of the spine, along with hip joint strain, neck and shoulder muscle overuse from sitting (with your knees higher than your hips) on children's chairs.
Research undertaken on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2006 found that 75% of primary school teachers suffered ongoing discomfort and pain due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back, shoulder and neck problems, with 25% not reporting them to their employer. Alarmingly, nearly all teachers surveyed considered aches and pains as 'part of the job'.
What can be done?
- Let someone know your head teacher, GP or union. Reporting accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995). Every workplace must have a reporting system in place. Information gathered enables the HSE and local authorities to identify where and how risks arise. Contact HSE (0845 300 9923) or Voice for further information. Don't suffer in silence!
- Dedicate staff meeting time to discuss experiences and risks. Share findings with your union health and safety representative.
- Further information, including a Primary School Back Care Policy and a Survey, is available from Voice (www.voicetheunion.org.uk/backs).
Please share your thoughts and experiences
With thanks to Lorna Taylor, Children First Physiotherapy.
First published: April 2010