Workplace Injury/Illness Information
Workplace Injury/Illness Information
Report Workplace Injuries/Illnesses Immediately
If injury or illness is an emergency call 911, notify college safety at (661) 395-4554, and report the injury or illness to your supervisor. Any accident or injury must be reported immediately to ensure the authorization process is completed prior to the employee arriving at the occupational medical clinic.
Primary Contact:
Yvette Colby
Coordinator, Risk Management & Safety
Office: 661-336-5106
If the primary contact is unavailable:
Tina Johnson
Interim Director, Risk Management & Safety
Office: 661-336-5005
Cell (After Hours): 661-868-9429
Additional workers' compensation paperwork may follow after submitting the report of injury. It is important to check your email regularly to retrieve, complete, and return these forms in a timely manner.
Risk Management Services
Risk Management is committed to protecting students, the general public, and our employees. We aim to enable Kern CCD to anticipate potential problems, make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and enhance resilience against uncertainties.
The following services are provided by the Kern CCD Risk Management Office.
Reporting and Treatment Process for Employee Work-Related Accidents or Injuries.
Location: Bakersfield College & Campus Sites/District Office
Effective Date: March 2, 2026
- Purpose - The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a clear, consistent, and compliant process for reporting, documenting, and coordinating medical treatment for any Kern COmmunity College District (KERN CCS) employee who sustains a work-related accident, injury, or occupational exposure.
- Guideline - All work related accidents, injuries, and exposure incidents must be reported immediately
to ensure:
- Proper documentation
- Timely authorization of medical treatment
- Compliance with workers' compensation requirements
- Failure to report incidents promptly may delay medical care and/or claims processing.
- Procedure
- Immediate Notification - Any accident or injury must be reported immediately to ensure
the authorization process is completed prior to the employee arriving at the occupational
medical clinic.
-
Primary Contact: Yvette Colby; Coordinator, Risk Management & Safety, Office: 661-336-5106
-
If the primary contact is unavailable: Tina Johnson; Interim Director, Risk Management & Safety, Office: 661-336-5005, Cell (After Hours): 661-868-9429
- Notification must occur as soon as practical following the incident.
-
- Medical Direction and Authorized Treatment - Upon notification, Risk Management will
provide direction regarding medical evaluation and treatment.
- Designated Occupational Medical Provider - ABC Occupational: 5300 California Ave., Suite 105, Bakersfield 93309
- Employees shall not seek treatment at any other facility unless
- The injury is life-threatening; or
- Specific authorization is granted by Risk Management
- Emergency Situations - In the event of a life-threatening injury, call 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room without delay. Risk Management must still be notified as soon as possible after emergency services have been contacted.
- Documentation Requirements - All required internal accident and injury reports must be completed and submitted to Risk Management Promptly. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring all required documentation is accurate, complete and submitted in a timely manner.
- Compliance - Adherence to the SOP ensures timely medical care, proper workers' compensation processing, accurate documentation of workplace incidents, and regulatory compliance. Failure to follow this procedure may result in delays in treatment, claims processing, or administrative action as appropriate.
- Immediate Notification - Any accident or injury must be reported immediately to ensure
the authorization process is completed prior to the employee arriving at the occupational
medical clinic.
Emergency preparedness involves the procedures, plans, and actions taken to effectively respond to and mitigate the impact of emergencies or disasters that may threaten individuals, communities, or organizations. It encompasses activities such as planning for potential risks, training personnel on emergency procedures, establishing communication protocols, maintaining emergency supplies, and coordinating response efforts with relevant authorities. The goal of emergency preparedness is to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability by ensuring timely and efficient responses to emergencies, thereby safeguarding lives, minimizing damage, and facilitating swift recovery.
Environmental management involves the systematic approach to addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices within Kern CCD. It encompasses strategies, policies, and actions aimed at minimizing environmental impacts, conserving resources, and complying with environmental regulations.
Risk Management coordinates the legal affairs of Kern CCD with outside legal counsel. If there are legal concerns that need to be addressed or questions that need legal advice, please contact Tina Johnson at (661) 336-5005 or tinjohns@kccd.edu and we will work to connect you with the appropriate person.
California Public Records Act (CPRA), Subpoenas, and Record Releases:
Please send all record requests via email to recordscustodian@kccd.edu or call Tina Johnson at (661) 336-5005.
The Kern CCD record custodian and authorized person to receive all district subpoenas is located at:
2100 Chester Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Please check in at the security desk for assistance.
The following is provided as an example of the preferred record request format.
[Date]
Records Custodian
Kern Community College District
2100 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
recordscustodian@kccd.eduRE: Public Records Act Request
Dear Records Custodian,
Pursuant to my rights under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), I ask to [inspect/obtain a copy of] the following, which I understand to be held by your agency:
[Describe the record as precisely as possible, including the designation of any forms or reports with titles, the date or dates if relevant, the author and addressee if the item is a letter or memo, etc. If the record is referred to in another document or published report and it will help to attach a copy of that reference, do so.]
I ask for a determination on this request within 10 days of your receipt of it, and an even prompter reply if you can make that determination without having to review the record[s] in question.
If you determine that any or all or the information qualifies for an exemption from disclosure, I ask you to note whether, as is normally the case under the Act, the exemption is discretionary, and if so whether it is necessary in this case to exercise your discretion to withhold the information.
If I can provide any clarification that will help expedite your attention to my request, please contact me at [provide phone or fax number, email, etc.]. I ask that you notify me of any duplication costs exceeding [$________] before you duplicate the records so that I may decide which records I want copied.
Sincerely,
[Signature Block]
Property claims involve damage, destruction, or loss of physical property owned by the district.
Liability claims arise when the district is held legally responsible (liable) for causing harm or injury to another party or their property. Under normal circumstances, employees injured in the course of their job are covered under workers' compensation and should follow that process.
Important!
Report Your Workplace Injury Immediately
- If the injury is an emergency, call 911 and report the injury to your supervisor.
- If the injury is not life threatening or serious in nature, please contact Tina Johnson at (661) 336-5005 and you will be informed of the appropriate next step(s).
Additional workers' compensation paperwork may follow after submitting the report of injury. It is important to check your district email regularly to retrieve, complete and return these forms timely.
- For any other questions contact Tina Johnson: (661) 336-5005 or email tinjohns@kccd.edu
Workplace accommodations refer to modifications or adjustments made to the work environment, job duties, or procedures to enable individuals with disabilities or specific needs to perform their job duties effectively. These accommodations are provided by employers to ensure equal opportunities and accessibility for all employees. They can range from physical changes, such as ergonomic furniture or assistive technology, to changes in policies or work schedules that accommodate medical conditions or disabilities. Workplace accommodations aim to foster inclusivity, support diversity, and allow employees to contribute to their fullest potential while addressing their individual needs and abilities.
A request for accommodation can be submitted here: Request an Accommodation
Workplace safety refers to the practices, policies, and regulations put in place to ensure the health, well-being, and protection of employees within a workplace environment. It encompasses various measures designed to prevent accidents, injuries, and health hazards that may arise from work activities. These measures include risk assessments, safety training, use of protective equipment, and compliance with occupational health and safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Workplace safety not only safeguards employees but also promotes productivity and creates a conducive environment for all personnel to thrive and contribute effectively to their organization.
Injury and Illness Prevention Plan
An Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) is a proactive framework implemented by organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards that could lead to injuries or illnesses. It is a systematic approach to workplace safety and health management, aimed at preventing incidents before they occur rather than reacting after the fact. A copy of the latest Kern CCD IIPP is available from the following link:
Injury and Illness Prevention Plan
On September 20, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 553 (“SB 553”) into law, which requires covered California employers, including Kern CCD, to take steps to prevent and respond to workplace violence. Notably, SB 553 adds Section 6401.9 to the California Labor Code, which, effective July 1, 2024, requires employers to adopt and train to a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan.
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
Please review the updated Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (7/1/2024)
Workplace Violence Prevention Training
Workplace Violence Prevention Training is available online at Safe Colleges.
Workplace Violence Reporting
Use the contact information below to file:
Workplace Violence Incident report or a Workplace Violence Concern
Tina Johnson (661) 336-5005 or email tinjohns@kccd.edu
Risk Management encourages all employees to provide input into our district's workplace violence safety program by completing the survey below.
Workplace Violence Prevention Survey
Unsafe conditions could be something observed which could potentially compromise the safety of students and staff. Examples include poorly lit pathways and parking lots, which pose risks for nighttime safety; areas with broken sidewalks or uneven surfaces that could lead to trips or falls; and inadequate signage in emergency situations.
Use the contact information below to report and unsafe condition:
Tina Johnson (661) 336-5005 or email tinjohns@kccd.edu