Incident Response Guidance

Incident Response Guidance
Category: Emergency Management
Download Link: EM1.pdf (238.27 KB)
Last Revised: Aug. 3, 2021
Recommended Practice:

The following guidance is offered as a supplement to existing incident response protocols for colleges and units sponsoring youth activities. The information provided below is not intended to replace or supersede existing policies and procedures, nor is it inclusive of all types of incidents or emergencies. For guidance related to emergency planning and crisis response, see EM3: Emergency Operations Plan.

In general, incidents can be categorized as 'low risk' or 'high risk.'

A Low Risk Incident is one where the impact to an individual or group is both minor and temporary. Low risk incidents are not caused by a hazard or unsafe condition in the environment. See examples below.

  • Recommended response to low risk incidents: document internally (e.g., incident log)

 

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).

  • Recommended response to high risk incidents: report to relevant authority* and document internally (report plus incident log).

* Refer to EM2: Incident Reporting and Escalation for standard protocol for reporting High Risk Incidents.

 

Examples of Low Risk Incidents
  • Minor injuries, such as scrapes, bumps or bruises to the body that do not require medical attention beyond basic first aid and are not the result of an unsafe condition or hazard in the program environment.
  • Non-communicable illnesses that result in a youth needing to sit out of an activity or be sent home for the day.
  • Behavioral problems or verbal conflicts between youth participants that necessitate adult intervention.
  • Grievances, complaints or altercations involving parents, guardians or guests of youth participants, where there is no reasonable concern of discrimination, harassment, bullying or retaliation.
  • Other incidents at the discretion of the program leader that do not rise to the level of ‘high risk.’

 

Evidence or Documentation:
  • Copy of blank internal accident/incident log used by unit or program
  • Randomly selected completed incident reports

 

Applies to:
  • All university youth programs.

 

Related Information:

 

Self-Assessment:

Does the unit or program operator have a protocol for internally documenting incidents using an accident/incident log or other form?

       YES        NO

 

 

Reference Number
EM1