Nursery World - Back issues

Stress and strain on the back is an occupational hazard for those working with young children, and staff need clear advice on how to avoid it, says Mary Evans Watch a toddler pick something off the floor and you will see the child squat and then stand, straightening the knees, holding the object close to the body. Somewhere between the instinctive behaviour of early childhood and adult life, bad habits creep in which can cause bad backs.

Watch a toddler pick something off the floor and you will see the child squat and then stand, straightening the knees, holding the object close to the body. Somewhere between the instinctive behaviour of early childhood and adult life, bad habits creep in which can cause bad backs.

According to the charity BackCare, back pain costs the country almost Pounds 6bn a year in time off work, and this year 24 million adults will have a bad back.

Early years practitioners are particularly at risk, but problems can be avoided if they lift properly, maintain a good posture, use equipment set at the right height and stay active.

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