Health and Safety Minute: Incident Reporting
Timely and complete incident reporting provides the BSA with an opportunity for analysis of incidents that occur and promotes continuous improvement of our programs. The sooner a clear, concise, and complete incident report is made, the sooner that an appropriate response to the incident can occur.
On December 1, we launched Riskonnect, the BSA’s new and improved incident reporting system. Councils are required to use the online reporting system to report accidents, near misses, and youth protection incidents. Armed with this information, we can better respond to those parties affected and will be in a better position to evaluate the information and potentially contain costs assumed by the general liability insurance program (GLIP).
Please take a moment this month to review the BSA’s guidance on incident reporting and share with your team, camp staff, and key volunteers.
Resources:
An often overlooked, but extremely important element of any Scout activity when something goes wrong.
WHAT is an incident?
Any unplanned event that results in harm to an individual, property or the environment.
WHY report?
It is important that we (BSA) sustain the safe operation of our programs and promote continuous improvement.
- Information is valuable in preventing reoccurrences of similar incidents.
- Facts are critical to allowing response in an appropriate manner, and to help properly manage potential claims (insurance and litigation).
WHEN is a report necessary?
A report must be made any time the incident requires the intervention of medical personnel, involves emergency responders, or results in a response beyond Scout rendered first aid. It is also required if there is a vehicle accident, theft, or damage to property.
WHO completes the report?
The event leader or designee should gather all the facts and complete the report.
HOW to report?
Complete, as thoroughly as possible, the BSA INCIDENT INFORMATION REPORT (form 680-10 2011 (or later)). NOTE: If the incident involves a fatality, hospitalization for life-threatening or critical injury, allegation of sexual misconduct, or victimization of a Scout, damage in excess of $1 million, expected litigation or potential for national media attention, the council Scout executive must be notified immediately.
Click here to download the fillable form.
WHERE to report?
Return the completed form to the Council staff member responsible for entry into Risk Console. It can either be delivered by hand to Peter Brown at the Council Center or emailed, as an attachment, to him at peterb@ocbsa.org.
This reporting procedure does not supersede reporting requirements for specific programs, reporting required by law, BSA Youth Protection reporting requirements, or BSA reporting requirements to OSHA.