Navigating Incidents
Unit Resources for Incident Reporting
Navigating Incidents, A 5 Step Guide for Units
The Navigating Incidents Guide for Units is a resource aimed at equipping unit leaders with the necessary tools and steps to effectively respond to unexpected situations within the Boy Scouts of America community. The guide serves as a roadmap, outlining five key steps prioritizing safety and appropriate action:
- Step 1: Immediate Safety
- Step 2: Grasp the Full Situation
- Step 3: Document the Incident Thoroughly
- Step 4: Notify the Local Council
- Step 5: Follow Up with Care
To learn more, visit Navigating Incidents: Guide for Units can be found here.
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Timely and complete incident reporting provides the BSA with an opportunity for analysis of incidents that occur and promotes continuous improvement of our programs. In our experience, the sooner a clear, concise, and complete incident report is made, the sooner that an appropriate response to the incident can occur.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is an incident? There are three types of reportable incidents:Near Miss—A near miss does not result in injury, illness, or damage, by definition, but it had the potential to do so.
General Liability—Events or allegations of injury, illness, or property damage, including employment, director, and officer issues.
Youth Protection/Membership Infraction—Allegations of abuse, violations of BSA guidelines or policies, or inappropriate behavior by a Scout/Scout leader/parent/other.More information available on the National Scouting Website at:
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/incident-reporting-helps/ -
Use this tool to report near misses in programs such as COPE and climbing activities. A near miss is an incident that did not result in injury, illness, or damage by definition but that had the potential to have done so.
For more information go to the National BSA website here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/incident-reporting-helps/
