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