3.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified.

An unsafe practice is any action or failure to act that puts a person, colleague, or yourself at risk of harm or injury. In a mental health care setting, this may include physical danger or emotional harm. Unsafe practices can range from ignoring infection control measures to neglecting a person’s care needs. It is important to identify these practices quickly.

Unsafe practices may include:

• Ignoring or breaking health and safety rules
• Failing to follow agreed care plans
• Withholding or giving the wrong medication
• Using out-of-date equipment
• Not protecting people from abuse
• Breaching confidentiality without a justified reason
• Using unsafe or unapproved methods to calm distressed individuals
• Disregarding individual rights, dignity or privacy

Being alert to unusual behaviour, unexplained injuries, or signs of distress can help you spot unsafe practices. Workers must always be aware of their duty of care and the codes of conduct for their profession.

Immediate Actions When Unsafe Practice Is Identified

If you notice something unsafe, your first duty is to make sure any person at risk is safe. Unsafe actions should not continue, as they might cause harm.

Immediate steps may include:

• Stopping the unsafe practice if you can do so safely
• Moving the person or people at risk somewhere safer if possible
• Staying calm and focused

If you feel the practice is putting someone in immediate danger, act quickly. For example, if a person is at risk of immediate harm, inform a senior colleague or manager straight away. If medical help is needed, call for a first aider or emergency services. Do not leave vulnerable people alone unless you have to get help.

Reporting Unsafe Practices

Every organisation will have its own ways to report unsafe actions. Speak to your manager or supervisor without delay. You may need to use incident forms, record logs, or an internal system.

Reporting procedures often involve:

• Telling your line manager or the nominated person for safety
• Writing clear, factual accounts of what you saw or heard
• Completing any paperwork your organisation requires, such as an incident or near-miss form
• Stating the date, time, place, and people involved
• Describing what action, if any, you took at the time

Do not wait for someone else to act. If you even suspect something is unsafe, tell the right person as soon as possible. Your action could prevent harm to someone.

Recording Information

Accurate records are very important in health and social care. Record your concerns in writing using your workplace forms or systems. Do not rely on memory. Be factual and avoid guessing or making assumptions.

Good records should include:

• The time and date you noticed the unsafe practice
• Details of the unsafe action or situation
• Names of those involved
• Any immediate steps you took to keep people safe
• Who you reported the incident to
• Any response or guidance you received

Use clear, everyday language. Do not use disrespectful terms. If you are unsure about how to record your concerns, ask your manager.

Following Organisational Policy and Procedures

Every care provider will have its own ways to deal with unsafe practice. Always follow the local policy, which should include:

• How to report your concern
• Timescales for reporting and action
• Who to contact if your manager is unavailable
• What records you must keep

Failing to follow policy might put people at risk. It can also mean you are not protected if something goes wrong.

If your concern is not taken seriously, or if the unsafe practice continues, take further action. This may mean speaking to a more senior manager or contacting an outside body.

Common Types of Unsafe Practice in Mental Health Settings

Unsafe actions in mental health care may include:

• Ignoring someone’s care plan or not updating it when changes happen
• Using threats or force to make someone do something
• Not respecting the choices, beliefs, or privacy of the person
• Failing to use equipment correctly or not using protective clothing as required
• Allowing bullying or discrimination from staff or other people
• Not following safe medication procedures
• Letting people self-harm without offering support

You must always raise your concern if you witness these actions.

The Duty to Report Unsafe Practice

Health and social care workers must protect people from avoidable harm. This is called the duty of candour. It is a legal and moral duty to act honestly about mistakes or near-misses that could harm people.

By reporting unsafe actions, you:

• Help protect the health, safety and wellbeing of people
• Improve the quality of care delivered
• Comply with the law and codes of practice
• Show respect for people’s rights

You may worry about the reactions of colleagues or managers, but the law protects workers who report concerns in good faith.

Whistleblowing

Sometimes, you may report a concern but nothing changes. Or you may be worried about raising the issue with your manager, particularly if you think leaders are involved.

Whistleblowing is when you tell someone in authority inside or outside your organisation about unsafe practice. In England, the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects whistleblowers from unfair treatment or losing their job because they reported a genuine concern.

Steps for whistleblowing may include:

• Reporting to a more senior manager if you do not get a response from your own
• Calling the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or another regulatory body
• Contacting your trade union or an independent whistleblowing advice service

Remember, you are protected by law when acting honestly and in the public interest.

Supporting Colleagues and Promoting Improvement

Reporting unsafe practice can be difficult for everyone involved. Speak respectfully to colleagues if you notice unsafe actions but never ignore what you have seen.

Good actions include:

• Offering extra training or guidance if someone is unsure
• Using supervision or team meetings to discuss safety issues
• Reviewing care plans to spot gaps or errors
• Suggesting safer ways of working

Creating an open, supportive atmosphere encourages everyone to speak up about safety.

The Consequences of Ignoring Unsafe Practices

Failing to act on unsafe practice can have serious results, such as:

• Risk of harm or neglect to people in your care
• Legal action against yourself or your employer
• Reputational damage to your workplace
• Disciplinary action, up to and including losing your job
• Loss of registration or ability to work in care

If you do not take action, you could be held responsible for harm that happens afterwards. Always follow your duty of care and act with honesty.

Training and Safeguarding

Good training helps you spot and respond to unsafe actions early. Make use of all training, including those on:

• Health and safety
• Safeguarding (protecting people from harm)
• Infection control
• Medicines management
• Mental health awareness

Keep your knowledge up to date and always ask questions if you are unsure.

Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse or neglect. This includes reporting any action or situation that puts them at risk. If the unsafe practice could be abuse—for example, physical or emotional abuse—you must raise it as a safeguarding concern. Your workplace policy tells you who to contact, such as the local safeguarding team.

Handling Difficult Situations

Sometimes, reporting unsafe practice involves challenging senior staff, close colleagues or friends. You may feel worried or uncomfortable, but the safety of people in your care must always come first.

Tips for dealing with tough situations:

• Stay calm and professional
• Use facts, not opinions
• Keep records of what you saw and did
• Ask for support if you need it

If you feel bullied or pressured to stay silent, seek advice from your trade union, manager’s manager, or an external agency.

Following Up on Reported Unsafe Practice

After reporting, check if the issue has been dealt with. Your manager or organisation should tell you what action has been taken, if appropriate. You may need to give more information or feedback.

If unsafe practice continues, repeat your report using the procedures in your policy. If you are worried nothing is happening, use the whistleblowing procedure.

Legislation and Professional Standards

UK laws and regulations set out the rights of people using health and social care. Important laws include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – employers must provide a safe working environment
• The Care Act 2014 – local authorities must keep vulnerable adults safe
• The Mental Health Act 1983 – protects the rights of people with mental health needs
• The Data Protection Act 2018 – requires confidentiality of personal information

Regulators such as the CQC set out standards you must meet. The Care Certificate, Skills for Care Code of Conduct, and other workplace codes give further guidance. Follow these rules at all times.

Confidentiality When Reporting Unsafe Practice

Protecting people’s privacy is key. Only share information about unsafe practices with those who need to know. Never discuss concerns broadly or with people not involved. Use secure forms or reporting lines, and follow your data protection policy.

Learning from Incidents

After an unsafe practice is reported, workplaces must review what happened to prevent future harm. This is often called learning lessons. Reviews can highlight ways to work more safely, identify gaps in training, or lead to changes in policy. Sharing findings in staff meetings or through training helps everyone understand the dangers and how to avoid them.

Final Thoughts

Spotting and acting on unsafe practice saves lives and protects people’s dignity. Your actions can stop harm before it happens. Never be afraid to speak up. Your organisation should support you in making care safe for everyone.

Always use the training and guidance you are given, and keep learning. Know your reporting procedures and where to find up-to-date policies. If you feel unsure or worried after reporting an unsafe action, ask for advice from your supervisor, safeguarding team, or a professional body.

By acting promptly and responsibly, you protect others, support safe care, and uphold the values of your profession.