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 healthy 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. Our Injury & Illness Program Coordinator is Krista Kaschalk, and can be reached at krkascha@cabrillo.edu .
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.
General & Department-Specific Safe Work Practices
Creating a safe workplace is a shared responsibility at Cabrillo College. All employees are expected to follow Cabrillo's General Safe Work Practices and Department-Specific Safe Work Practices as part of their daily working activities. These Safe Work Practices are designed to prevent injuries, promote awareness, and ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA safety regulations.
Please see the orange buttons above to find all of the Safe Work Practices, Self-Inspection Checklists, an Accident Investigation Guide and more. The orange buttons section of this webpage are currently under construction. If you require a specific form that is not yet available, or if you have questions or need information, please contact the IIPP Program Coordinator at krkascha@cabrillo.edu
Key Safe Work 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.