Incident Reporting and Escalation

Incident Reporting and Escalation
Category: Emergency Management
Download Link: EM2.pdf (221.25 KB)
Last Revised: April 14, 2025
Operating Standard:

In addition to unit-level internal documentation (outlined in EM1: Incident Response Guidance), any incidents designated as "High Risk" must be reported to the relevant authority, which in some cases includes engaging an external agency or law enforcement.

A High Risk Incident originates from a hazard or unsafe condition in the program or the environment. The incident poses a serious risk to an individual or group. This may also include a “near miss,” (i.e., a hazard that if not addressed could cause harm in the future).

Refer to Table 1 for reporting and escalation protocol.

 

Examples of High Risk Incidents

  • An instance or allegation of child abuse, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or exploitation against any minor by a current employee, volunteer or another youth participant, or knowledge of any such instance by a former employee, volunteer or participant.
  • A threat of serious harm to self or others, and anything with potential to escalate and require intervention by emergency services or law enforcement (e.g., missing child, dangerous person).
  • Injuries, illness or damage resulting from unsafe conditions or hazards in the program environment, including those that are the result of employee or volunteer action or inaction.
  • Actions affecting participation in or access to programs or services, such as termination or withdrawal of any youth participant(s), employees or volunteers, that may raise reasonable concerns of discrimination, harassment, bullying or retaliation.

 

Examples of Moderate Risk Incidents

  • A ‘near miss,’ or incident in which no property was damaged and no one was injured, but where given a slight shift in time or position, damage or personal injury easily could have occurred.

 

Evidence or Documentation:

 

Applies to:
  • University-operated youth programs, where OSU is offering the event or activity with minors.
  • University-hosted youth programs, where OSU hosts third-party events or activities with minors.

 

Related Information:

 

Self-Assessment:

Does the unit or program operator have a protocol for ensuring that instances of suspected child abuse and neglect are reported externally to either Oregon Department of Human Services or law enforcement?

       YES        NO

Does the unit or program operator have a protocol for escalating other High Risk incidents to the relevant authority?

       YES        NO

Does the unit or program operator have a protocol for identifying and escalating Moderate Risk or “near miss” incidents?

       YES        NO

 

Reference Number
EM2