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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.

Written by Jonny Bottomley

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.

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