Teachers with young pupils should take every precaution to keep them from getting hurt. Safe Kids USA predicts that out of the 14 million unintentional injuries that happen to children each year, an estimated 25 percent take place in or around the classroom. By childproofing learning and play areas in school, educators can prevent many of these occurrences.
The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) - a consumer interest group that helps people choose kid-safe curtains and drapes - advises teachers to keep the floor clear of debris. By removing sharp objects such as push pins and staples, they can prevent children from accidentally harming themselves.
Teachers are advised to cover electrical outlets and to make sure that heavy furniture such as bookshelves be securely bolted to the walls to prevent them from toppling over.
The WCSC warns that chairs and tables should be checked for structural stability, and that teachers should check for any protruding nails, hinges and screws. Furniture with sharp corners and edges should be sanded down.
Heavy items like televisions and radios must be placed out of reach, and cords should be safely tucked away to prevent children from yanking or tripping over them.
Shared toys should be disinfected on a regular basis and checked for loose parts to discourage choking.
