New strategy for cultural development towards a good, healthy school - strengthening the self-regulation ability of pupils
Gerrit Schnabel
Statutory Accident Insurance for the public sector in North Rhine-Westphalia (UK NRW), Germany
Unfallkasse Nordrhein – Westfalen (UK NRW) is a public sector accident insurance provider and therefore responsible for any issues and questions relating to the health and safety of pupils, teachers and other school employees in NRW, Germany.
In addition to over 50 “supervisors”, who advise schools on safety issues, UK NRW also provides a range of other support services for schools.
The last few months of the pandemic, in particular, have highlighted just how important it is for schools to successfully organise external and internal factors, in order to protect the health of all stakeholders, while providing a good standard of education.
UK NRW’s new principles when advising schools
In everyday school life, teachers are increasingly complaining not only about children and young people who cannot concentrate sufficiently, but who lack basic skills of self-regulation. As a result, a significant part of the learning time is spent creating an acceptable learning atmosphere for everyone and less and less time is left for the actual learning process. The lack of self-regulation goes hand in hand with an ever-decreasing ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. Bullying and physical altercations are increasingly shaping everyday school life. When we talk about basic skills of self-regulation, we mean behaviors such as letting the other person finish, getting in touch and waiting until you are accepted, but also being able to put your own needs aside out of consideration for others. Neurobiologically, this is also referred to as executive functions such as inhibition (impulse control, need expulsion), cognitive flexibility and working memory, which underlie self-regulation and self-control.
UK NRW has been adopting and developing the ‘good, healthy school’ concept for many years. It focuses on making use of interdependencies between the quality of education and health in school activities. Therefore, promoting health and safety isn´t regarded as just another compulsory social task or even an end in itself, but as a resource and prerequisite for a good standard of education in schools. A good, healthy school is one that uses health-related measures and interventions to promote the health of all its stakeholders, thereby improving the quality of the education it provides.
Recent psychological and neuroscientific research shows that the self-regulation skills of children and adolescents play a central role in their well-being and opportunities for development. These competencies include cognitive, emotional, motivational and social skills that allow you to achieve personal goals and react flexibly to change. They are therefore also of significant importance for the occurrence of accidents.
Both the University of Münster and the ZNL in Ulm (Centre for Neurotransfer and Learning) have been researching for several years on behalf of the Unfallkasse NRW how the findings on strengthening self-regulation skills in the classroom can be implemented by strengthening the so-called executive functions of the brain.
To this end, we have also set up a practical transfer project with 40 schools together with the Ministry of Schools in NRW.
The promotion of the executive functions and the self-regulation ability of the pupils can be integrated into the school day in and out of the subject lessons in a variety of ways and in a joyful way. If adolescents have these important skills, this not only has a major influence on their learning success, but also on their and their teachers' health and thus on the psychological, physical and social well-being of all those involved in the school context. Unfallkasse NRW sees it as its task to support schools in strengthening these competencies in the coming years and to develop offers for teaching and extracurricular school activities.
References
Nationale Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina (2024). Förderung der Selbstregulationskompetenzen von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Kindertageseinrichtungen und Schulen. Halle (Saale).
Ibbotson, P. (2023). The Development of Executive Function: Mechanisms of Change and Functional Pressures. Journal of Cognition and Development, 24(2), pp. 172–190.
Executive Function: Types, Problems, and Improvement: https://www.verywellhealth.com/executive-function-5224766 [retrieved on 20 October 2024]
Kubesch, S. (2016). Exekutive Funktionen und Selbstregulation. Neurowissenschaftliche Grundlagen und Transfer in die pädagogische Praxis. Bern: Hogrefe.
Brocki, K.C. & Bohlin, G. (2004). Executive functions in children age 6 to 13: A dimensional an developmental study. Developmental Neurophysiology 26, pp. 571 – 593.
Musculoskeletal pain, strain and injury in early childhood educators – New research
Lorna Taylor
Education Specialist and ENETOSH UK Ambassador, Physiotherapist at JollyBack, UK
New research from the University of Derby, shows the significant musculoskeletal (MSK) health risks faced by early childhood educators (ECEs) in the UK. 98% of participants reported work-related pain, particularly in the lower back (89%). The study offers a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, frequency, and severity of MSK pain in this workforce. The duration, onset, and chronic nature of MSK pain among ECE professionals’ highlights impact on personal and professional lives.
Pain Onset, Frequency, and Duration
The study found on average, ECEs had been experiencing MSK pain for over 12 months, with symptoms recurring every 7 to 14 days and lasting 1 to 2 weeks at a time. This chronic pain cycle indicates many ECEs live in near-constant discomfort. While lower back pain was the most commonly reported, pain in the neck, upper back, knees, and shoulders was also frequent, with ankles and feet being the locations where pain persisted the longest.
The study revealed 98% of participants experienced pain in at least one part of their body, and 72% in four or more areas. Concerningly, 20% reported pain in 7-9 locations.
Role-Related Risk Factors
ECEs are frequently exposed to high-risk physical tasks such as lifting children, stooping, bending, working at low heights, and changing nappies. These actions are performed without sufficient ergonomic support, increasing the risk of MSK disorders. The study found a strong link between the frequency of exposure to these tasks and onset, intensity, and recurrence of pain. The more frequently these activities were performed, the more likely ECEs were to experience pain.
The demanding nature of ECE work plays a significant role in the development of MSK pain. The lack of proper ergonomic furniture and insufficient support while performing these tasks exacerbates the physical strain on the practitioners, leading to long-term health issues.
Duration of Employment and Age
The research revealed that longer years of employment in the ECE sector were associated with a greater number of pain locations, regardless of the participants' age. This suggests that chronic pain builds up over time due to prolonged exposure to the physical demands of the job. Older participants were more likely to report longer durations of pain.
Interestingly, ECEs in leadership roles had access to more MSK protective measures, such as specialized furniture or training on safe manual handling practices. However, frontline practitioners reported a greater need for improved MSK protection, indicating a gap in access to resources between different levels of the workforce.
Predictors of Sickness Absence and Turnover
The study found that pain intensity and frequency were strong predictors of sickness absence, with participants experiencing more severe and frequent pain being more likely to take time off work. The physical demands of the job, particularly tasks involving high MSK risks, contributed significantly to the need for sick leave.
In addition to sickness absence, the study highlighted that the frequency and bothersomeness of pain were predictors of practitioners considering leaving the ECE sector altogether. Participants who experienced pain in more body locations and perceived a greater need for MSK protective measures were more likely to consider a career change. This is a critical concern for a sector already facing significant recruitment and retention challenges. The findings underscore the need to address MSK pain in order to retain skilled staff in the ECE workforce.
Global Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Despite the widespread global impacts of MSK pain, ECE practitioners' health is often overlooked in national workforce reports. Government reports on recruitment and retention in the early years sector fail to address the MSK risks faced by practitioners, despite these being key factors in job dissatisfaction and turnover. Recent policy changes, such as increasing staff-to-child ratios, may further exacerbate the physical demands on ECE workers, increasing their risk of developing Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Presenteeism and Underreporting
The study revealed a high prevalence of presenteeism, where workers continue to perform their jobs despite being in pain. While 98% of participants reported experiencing some form of MSK pain, only 28% had taken sick leave due to their condition. This suggests that many ECEs continue to work through their discomfort, potentially worsening their symptoms and overall health.
Additionally, although more than half of the participants sought medical help for their pain, only 37% received a formal diagnosis. This underreporting implies that the true burden of MSK pain among ECE workers is not fully captured in official figures, leaving many cases of chronic pain unnoticed or untreated.
Recommendations for Improvement
The study recommends a multifaceted approach to address the significant MSK risks faced by ECEs. This includes behavioural, ergonomic, and environmental interventions such as providing appropriate furniture, equipment, and training on safe manual handling practices. Raising awareness and encouraging early reporting of symptoms could help reduce physical strain and improve overall health outcomes for workers.
Additionally, the study calls for greater attention to ECE staff health in national policies, particularly as the sector grapples with staffing shortages. By improving the physical health and safety of ECE workers, the sector can not only enhance the quality of care and education for children but also alleviate the recruitment and retention crisis by creating a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Conclusion
This research offers the first statistical analysis of the relationship between MSK pain and specific job demands within the UK ECE workforce. It demonstrates the urgent need for improved workplace safety measures to protect ECE practitioners from the physical risks associated with their roles. Addressing these issues is essential not only for the wellbeing of practitioners but also for the sustainability of the early childhood education sector as a whole.
The complete article has been published as ENETOSH Factsheet 05.
The full published research paper can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com
Mental Health Strategies for Parents and Children
‘Sadhna Protocol’ for well-being to staff of Industrial Training Institute, Jalna
Pravinkumar Digamberrao Ukhlikar
Government Industrial Training Institute, India
Industrial Training Institute, Jalna is a public vocational school at Jalna in India. It was observed that ageing employees of ITI Jalna show poor workability. Investigation reveals that Individual factors of ageing employee’s like poor health contributes to 67.09%, mental strain 69%, work related stress 11.06% likewise.
In this comprehensive case study, we delve into the intervention program based on Indian Oriental Philosophy aimed at promoting health, wellbeing & workability of ITI Jalna employees.
Indian Philosophy advocates ‘Sadhna’ an act of accomplishment is the acme of human life, as it constantly evolves towards perfection. Based on ‘Sadhna’ a Protocol of Yoga (work) tailored to be implemented for productive ageing or ‘Successful Ageing’ for Government Industrial Training Institute, Jalna Employees has been evolved as depicted in Table 1 below.
Table 1 ‘Sadhna’ protocol for productivity & well-being at work
VISION ZERO in Luxembourg: Enhancing safety through training and awareness raising
Paul Pannacci & Annik Sunnen
The Accident Insurance Association (AAA), Luxembourg
Since 2016, Luxembourg has embraced the VISION ZERO strategy to prevent work-related accidents, commuting accidents and occupational diseases. This strategy reflects a collective commitment by national partners to enhance occupational health and safety.
The Accident Insurance Association (AAA) formally launched the strategy by signing a National Charter with six ministries and three national trade unions. This marked a significant acknowledgement of shared individual and collective responsibility towards workplace safety. Given the importance of this mission, VISION ZERO has become a national strategy in 2022 when it was endorsed by the entire Luxembourgish Government. Now in its second phase, AAA continues to intensify its efforts, particularly in high-risk sectors, to enhance workplace safety.
VISION ZERO, developed by the International Social Security Association (ISSA), is founded on seven golden rules, with the sixth rule being "Improve qualifications - develop competence". This principle underscores the crucial role of education and training in fostering safer workplaces. In Luxembourg, AAA is dedicated to provide employees with the skills contributing to a proactive safety culture.
As part of its accident prevention recommendations, AAA develops training programmes covering essential areas such as safe machinery operation, electrical safety skills and safely working at heights. Moreover, AAA has recently implemented training programs at the initial vocational education and training (IVET) level. This includes areas like forestry and forklift handling, aiming to ensure that new entrants into the workforce gradually acquire essential safety competencies.
Furthermore, the national VISION ZERO strategy raises awareness about occupational health and safety through campaigns, conferences and publications. In recent years, AAA launched two VISION ZERO cross-media campaigns, featuring victims of workplace accidents and focusing on specific sectors. The trilingual portal "visionzero.lu" expands outreach and provides key resources, while the annual "Occupational Health and Safety Forum" and the biennial "National Occupational Health and Safety Award" further boost the initiative’s impact.
These collective actions have yielded significant results, with a remarkable 34% reduction in the national frequency rate of occupational accidents across all sectors since 2014. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the VISION ZERO strategy and the collaborative efforts involved.
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Creativity towards a culture of occupational risk prevention
Maria Antonia García Esteban & Joan Puig Buch
Catalan Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (ICSSL), Spain
The Catalan Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (ICSSL), part of the Government of Catalonia, is a technical authority that provides advice and assistance in the matter of safety and occupational health conditions. It organizes, develops and promotes research and activities related to safety culture at work.
In 2019, the ICSSL began collaborating with other companies and institutions in a program developed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. This project encourages occupational training students to integrate their learning, emphasizing real-life applications or situations.
In particular, the ICSSL tries to motivate occupational training students to become familiar with health and safety topics, by asking them to design different advertising products:
- A poster to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April.
- A collection of three posters involved with safety and health at workplaces.
- A set of occupational safety and health pictographs.
- A safety advertising spot.
To develop these products, the students have to gather information about the different occupational risks that exist. They also need to learn about best health and safety practices, which stimulates their creativity and contributes to give them the knowledge and tools they need to comply their obligations and stay safe in their future workplaces.
This collaboration with the educational authority aims to inspire critical thinking in occupational training students to increase their awareness of health and safety. It helps them to develop their abilities and skills to become more competitive workers. That way the ICSSL promotes occupational safety and health initiatives, adding value for business and playing an integral role in furthering ICSSL’s training mission between teenagers.
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