Skip to main content

How do I report an event? (Accidents, Incidents & Near Misses)

This article explains what counts as an event, what you must report, and what to do if something goes wrong while you’re caring for a client. Reporting events helps keep clients safe, supports you as a carer, and allows edyn.care to learn and improve.

Jonny Bottomley avatar
Written by Jonny Bottomley
Updated over 2 weeks ago

What is an “event”?

An event is anything unexpected that could cause harm, has caused harm, or nearly caused harm.

There are three types:

Accident

An unexpected event that causes injury or harm
Examples:

  • A client falls and is injured

  • A carer is hurt while supporting a client

Incident

An unexpected event that could affect safety but doesn’t cause serious injury
Examples:

  • Medication error

  • Client becomes aggressive

  • Equipment failure

Near miss

Something that almost caused harm but didn’t
Examples:

  • Client trips but does not fall

  • Medication error identified before being given

All three must be reported, even if no one was hurt.

What must I report?

You must report all accidents, incidents and near misses, including events involving:

  • Clients

  • Carers

  • Visitors or family members

  • Members of the public

  • Other professionals (e.g. GP, nurse, OT)

Events must be reported whether they happen:

  • In the client’s home

  • Outside the home (e.g. during a walk)

  • In the office

If you’re unsure — report it anyway.

What should I do if an event happens?

Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe

  • If it’s an emergency or serious injury: call 999

  • For urgent medical advice: call GP or NHS 111

Step 2: Call the office

  • Call the office or on-call team as soon as it is safe

  • Tell them what happened and what action you’ve taken

Step 3: Complete the Event Form

  • Log into the Carer Portal

  • Complete the Event Reporting Form

  • Do this as soon as possible after the event

What happens after I submit an event?

edyn.care will:

  • Review the event within 24 hours

  • Assess the level of risk

  • Put actions in place to reduce the chance of it happening again

  • Inform next of kin if required

  • Update care plans or risk assessments if needed

  • Share learning (anonymised) to improve practice

Some events may also need to be reported externally under:

  • RIDDOR

  • Safeguarding

  • Duty of Candour

You are not responsible for external reporting — the office will manage this.

What is RIDDOR, safeguarding and Duty of Candour?

You don’t need to decide this yourself, but it helps to understand:

  • RIDDOR
    Legal reporting to the Health & Safety Executive for serious work-related injuries or dangerous events

  • Safeguarding
    When a person may be at risk of abuse or neglect

  • Duty of Candour
    Being open and honest with clients/families when something goes wrong

If an event falls into one of these categories, the office will take action.

What if I make a mistake?

edyn.care has a learning, not blaming culture.

Reporting events:

  • Will not get you into trouble for honest mistakes

  • Helps protect clients and carers

  • Helps improve training, care plans and systems

Not reporting an event can put people at risk.

Your responsibilities as a carer

You must:

  • Read and follow care plans and risk assessments

  • Report all events honestly and promptly

  • Complete the Event Form

  • Cooperate with any review or follow-up

  • Attend training and supervision related to learning from events

Where can I find the Event Form?

The Event Reporting Form is available in:

  • Carer Portal → Forms → Event Report

If you can’t access it or need help:

Remember

If something feels unsafe, unexpected, or wrong — report it.
Early reporting protects clients, protects you, and helps edyn.care deliver outstanding care.

Did this answer your question?