Environmental Health & Safety
Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
Creating a Safer, Healthier Campus for Everyone
At Cabrillo College, we are committed to maintaining a safe and healthful environment for all employees. Our Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) outlines clear responsibilities, safety protocols, and prevention strategies designed to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses while promoting a culture of safety throughout the District.
Program Overview
Our IIPP is a comprehensive safety program built in accordance with Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3203, and it is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
Key Objectives:
Protect employee health and safety
Reduce workplace incidents and workers’ compensation costs
Promote consistent safety practices across departments
Foster a positive safety culture with proactive communication and training
Core Elements of the IIPP
🔹 Program Management
Led by a designated Program Coordinator, Cabrillo’s IIPP ensures district-wide oversight of safety activities, training, and compliance enforcement.
🔹 Employee Training
All employees receive job-specific safety training upon hire, when roles change, or when new hazards are introduced. Training covers topics such as ergonomics, emergency procedures, chemical safety, and more.
🔹 Hazard Identification & Correction
Regular self-inspections and prompt reporting help identify and mitigate hazards before they lead to injury. Our Facilities Planning & Plant Operations team ensures prioritized maintenance for safety-related repairs.
🔹 Incident & Near Miss Investigation
Supervisors must immediately report and investigate all incidents, injuries, or near misses. Root causes are identified and corrected to prevent recurrence.
🔹 Communication
Safety information is shared through meetings, training sessions, posters, and suggestion boxes. Employees are encouraged to speak up and contribute to improving safety practices.
🔹 Documentation & Recordkeeping
We keep thorough records of inspections, training, and corrective actions for regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
Employee Access to the IIPP
Employees or their representatives may request a copy of the IIPP at any time. Access is granted within five business days of a request, and digital copies are available below.
General Safe Work Practices
Creating a safe workplace is a shared responsibility at Cabrillo College. All employees are expected to follow general safe work practices as part of their everyday activities. These practices are designed to prevent injuries, promote awareness, and ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA safety regulations.
A link to department specific safe work practices can be found below.
Key Practices for All Employees
Report Injuries Promptly: Report all work-related injuries, illnesses, or near misses to your supervisor immediately—no matter how minor they may seem.
Lift Safely: Never lift or move heavy or bulky objects alone. Always use proper lifting techniques—bend at the knees, not at the waist—and ask for assistance when needed.
Maintain Clean Workspaces: Keep floors, walkways, and work surfaces clean and free of spills or debris. Immediately clean up any food, drink, or chemical spills.
Use Equipment Properly: Never attempt to repair electrical or mechanical equipment yourself. Report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to Facilities Planning & Plant Operations (FPPO).
Practice Electrical Safety: Do not bring personal heaters or electrical equipment onto campus without FPPO approval. Avoid overloading outlets and always inspect cords and plugs for damage.
Secure Storage: Store heavy items on lower shelves and secure tall furniture or shelving units to prevent tipping, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Use Fire Safety Equipment Correctly: If a fire extinguisher is discharged or its pressure gauge is outside the green zone, report it immediately so it can be replaced or recharged.
Prevent Hazards: Report unsafe conditions, such as loose handrails, damaged flooring, or broken furniture, to FPPO immediately. Clearly mark or remove any item deemed unsafe until repairs are completed.
Know Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with fire, earthquake, and first aid protocols, including the location of exits and emergency equipment.
Everyone Plays a Role
In addition to these general practices, employees must also follow department-specific safe work practices that address the unique hazards and requirements of their specific job functions. These guidelines are provided during training and must be followed at all times.
By adhering to both general and department-specific safety protocols, every employee helps ensure a safer work environment for the entire Cabrillo community.