Risk Management

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 procedures is to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability by ensuring timely and efficient responses to emergencies, thereby safeguarding lives, minimizing damage, and facilitating swift recovery.

• Incident Command Center (ICS)(Currently under review)
• Emergency Responders (Currently under review)
• Emergency Communication and Notification (Currently under review)
• Emergency Notification System RAVE (Currently under review)                

Kern CCD Emergency Operations Plans

• District Office Emergency Operation Plan
• Bakersfield College Emergency Operation Plan
• Cerro Coso Community College Emergency Operations Plan
• Porterville College Emergency Operations Plan

EARTHQUAKE – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Earthquakes may occur without warning and can cause structural damage, injuries, and utility disruptions.

Response

The college will implement immediate life safety actions, including protective measures during shaking and evacuation as conditions warrant. Emergency operations will be coordinated using ICS.

Key Actions

• During: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
• After: Evacuate if safe, avoid hazards, expect aftershocks
• Do not use elevators

Operational Focus

• Life safety and injury response
• Building damage assessment
• Utility control (gas, electricity)

 

FIRES / WILDFIRES – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Fires may originate on campus or threaten from surrounding areas (wildfires), requiring rapid evacuation or campus closure.

Response

The college will initiate evacuation procedures, notify emergency services, and coordinate with fire response agencies.

Key Actions

• Activate fire alarm and evacuate immediately
• Call 911
• Do not re-enter buildings

Operational Focus

• Evacuation and accountability
• Coordination with fire agencies
• Air quality and campus closure (wildfire scenarios)

 

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENTS – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Hazardous material releases may occur in labs, maintenance areas, or from external sources.

Response

The college will isolate affected areas, initiate evacuation or shelter-in-place as appropriate, and coordinate with hazardous materials response agencies.

Key Actions

• Evacuate or shelter-in-place as directed
• Avoid contact with hazardous substances
• Call 911 for significant incidents

Operational Focus

• Isolation of affected area
• Coordination with HazMat responders
• Protection of occupants from exposure

 

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Public health incidents include pandemics, outbreaks, or other health threats affecting the campus population.

Response

The college will coordinate with public health authorities and implement appropriate health and safety measures.

Key Actions

• Follow public health guidance
• Isolate sick individuals
• Implement infection control measures

Operational Focus

• Health monitoring and reporting
• Operational adjustments (in-person vs. remote)
• Communication of health guidance

 

UTILITY FAILURES – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Utility disruptions may include power outages, water loss, gas leaks, or communication failures.

Response

The college will assess the impact of the disruption, implement appropriate safety measures, and coordinate with Facilities and external service providers. Protective actions may include shelter-in-place, evacuation, or temporary closure of affected areas.

Key Actions

• Report outage to Facilities
• Use emergency lighting if needed
• Shut down equipment safely

Operational Focus

• Assess impact on operations
• Coordinate restoration with providers
• Determine need for closure or evacuation

 

SEVERE WEATHER – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Severe weather in California may include extreme heat, storms, flooding, or high winds.

Response

The college will monitor conditions, implement protective actions, and adjust operations as necessary.

Key Actions

• Seek shelter indoors
• Avoid hazardous travel
• Follow campus guidance

Operational Focus

• Monitoring conditions
• Protecting individuals from exposure
• Adjusting campus operations

 

ACTS OF VIOLENCE – BASIC PLAN

Overview

Acts of violence include active shooter incidents, threats, or other dangerous behaviors.

Response

The college will implement immediate protective actions, notify law enforcement, and coordinate response efforts.

Key Actions

• Follow Run, Hide, Fight
• Initiate lockdown if necessary
• Call 911

Operational Focus

• Immediate life safety
• Law enforcement coordination
• Controlled communication

 

 

 

       

 

 

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Please contact Tina Johnson tinjohns@kccd.edu  with any inquiries or concerns. 

 

Claim for Damages to Person or Property:

1. Claims for death, injury to person or personal property must be field no later than 6 months after the occurrence. (Govt. Code §911.2)
2. Claims for damage to all other property must be filed no later than 1 year after the occurrence.
3. Claim must be filed with the school district. (Govt. Code §915a)

Provide the completed form to :

Tina Johnson
Interim Director Risk Management & Safety/Legal
tinjohns@kccd.edu

or Mail Attention to Tina Johnson  to : 2100 Chester Ave., Bakersfield CA 93301

Claim for Damages to Person or Property Form

 

Back to Top

Ergonomic Assessments

An ergonomic assessment is the process of evaluating a person's work environment to ensure that it fits their physical needs and capabilities, with the goal of reducing the risk of injury and improving efficiency, comfort, and productivity.

Key components typically include:

• Workstation layout: Evaluating desk height, monitor placement, chair support, and tool positioning.

• Posture and body mechanics: Observing how tasks are performed to identify awkward or repetitive movements.

• Task demands: Assessing how tasks may contribute to strain (e.g., heavy lifting, prolonged sitting).

• Recommendations: Suggesting adjustments to tools, equipment, or work habits to improve ergonomics.

Please complete the form below and return it to Tina Johnson tinjohns@kccd.edu

Once your submission has been reviewed, a member of the SISC Risk Management Team will contact you to schedule your evaluation.

 Ergonomic Evaluation Pre-Assessment Form

 

 

Back to Top

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 call  661-336-5005 or 661-336-5106 or / after hours call 661-742-0855. You will be  guided to the appropriate medical treatment including self-treatment, telemedicine, or referred to a clinic.

Additional workers' compensation paperwork may follow after submitting the report of injury. It is important to check your district email regularly to retreive, complete and return these forms timely. 

• For any other questions contact Tina Johnson 661-336-5005 / Cell 661-868-9429 or email tinjohns@kccd.edu

Back to Top

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.

Contact Tina Johnson tinjohns@kccd.edu with any inquiries or concerns.

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 

Exposure Control Plan For Bloodborne Pathogens

The purpose of Kern CCD Exposure Control Plan is to:

1.  Eliminate or minimize employee occupational exposure to blood or certain other body fluids.

2.  Comply

Occupational exposure is defined by Cal-OSHA as "reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties." (Parenteral means piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needle sticks, human bites, cuts and abrasions). Further, to be considered "occupational exposure,” the contact must result from the performance of an employee's duties.

 

Exposure Control Plan For Bloodborne Pathogens

 

Back to Top

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

Click the link below to review the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan:

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (7/1/2024)

Workplace Violence Prevention Training

Workplace Violence Prevention Training is available online at Safe Colleges. (Currently under maintenance )

Workplace Violence Reporting

Use the contact information below to file: Fill out the Workplace Violence Incident report and send to Tina Johnson   tinjohns@kccd.edu

Workplace Violence Incident report 

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

 

Back to Top

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 / Cell 661-868-9429 or email  tinjohns@kccd.edu

 

Back to Top