Guidance for providers as per Core Agreement Schedule, Section 13.7

Low Level incidents that indicate safeguarding may not be required

INJURY – which may include:

  • A pressure area/sore of Grade 2 or below
  • A superficial cut or skin tear or graze
  • Witnessed slip/trip/fall
  • People requiring mobility assistance who are lowered to the ground
  • Moving and handling no harm
  • Appropriate restraint
  • An injury which only requires first aid attention only, or reassurance from care staff
  • An injury which only requires qualified medical attention from a community nurse or a GP
  • An injury which results in paramedic attendance, but doesn't result in being taken to hospital
  • Medication error, omission of non-controlled drug with no harm
  • DISTRESS – which may include:

  • When an individual shows no lasting distress following an incident
  • When an individual exhibits behaviour that does not disrupt others, but may indicate something is wrong and assistance is needed
  • Missing items – no theft
  • Experiencing pain which can be treated with PRN medication e.g. aspirin, paracetamol

    Any low level incident can become safeguarding in these circumstances

  • Pattern of missing items where theft is suspected
  • Repeat low level incidents with no evidence of preventative action being taken by provider to address
  • Repeat incidents between service users including where there are common perpetrators
  • Incidents that occur that were avoidable (including where care plan is not being followed)
  • Incidents indicating harm and the need for a safeguarding enquiry

    INJURY – which may include:

  • Injuries resulting in permanent damage, or damage that lasts
  • Any damage to major organs of the body
  • Bone fractures
  • Significant damage to muscles, tendons, joints or vessels, e.g. dislocation
  • Significant skin tears in terms of dimension and depth
  • Significant blood loss
  • Significant bruising
  • Inappropriate restraint
  • Head injuries requiring qualified medical attention
  • Injury or incident requiring hospital admission
  • Pressure sores of grade 3 or more
  • The individual's life expectancy has been shortened
  • The individual's death as a result of the incident
  • Prolonged pain or prolonged psychological harm
  • Medication error, resulting in harm, administration of covert medication without authorisation and omission of controlled drugs
  • DISTRESS – which may include:

  • Individuals having lasting distress following an incident
  • Individuals who exhibit a direct threat to themselves or to others
  • Highly disruptive/challenging behaviours (hostility, aggression, violence, etc.) impacting on others
  • Appearing uncomfortable or highly emotional whilst talking about the incident or disclosing the circumstances
  • New or repeated behaviour which pushes the limits and interferes with effective management of the environment
  • Sexualised behaviours affecting others
  • Deliberate harm by staff, including threatening behaviour
  • Theft by person in position of trust
  • Missing Person