A comprehensive guide to workplace safety protocols and COVID-19 prevention procedures for the 2023-2024 academic year at Pacific Grove Unified School District.
Program Establishment & Responsibility
1
Program Establishment
Established in accordance with California Labor Code Section 6401.7 (SB 198) and California General Industry Safety Order Code of Regulations, Title 8, §3203.
2
Superintendent Responsibility
Responsible for safety program design and implementation, managing school Principals, and ensuring accountability for day-to-day safety operations.
3
School Principal Responsibility
Responsible for implementation and compliance with health and safety regulations at their school, designating a Safety Representative/Coordinator for each site.
Management & Employee Responsibilities
Managers & Supervisors Must:
Be trained on safety hazards affecting employees
Implement safety policies and procedures
Provide complete safety training
Enforce safety rules consistently
Report and investigate all injuries
Inspect work areas regularly
Ensure unsafe conditions are corrected
Employees Must:
Follow all safety policies and procedures
Wear appropriate safety equipment
Maintain equipment in good condition
Report all injuries immediately
Report unsafe acts and conditions
Perform only authorized job duties
Keep work areas clean and hazard-free
All employees, including managers and supervisors, are responsible for complying with safe and healthful work practices. Disciplinary measures may be progressive, depending on the infraction's severity and frequency.
Communication & Hazard Identification
Communication Methods
New employee orientation
Periodic IIPP review
Safety training programs
Safety committee meetings
Newsletters and bulletins
Hazard Identification
Written procedures to identify hazards
Safety evaluations of new equipment
Timely investigation of incidents
Regular safety inspections
Regulatory agency inspections
Incident Investigation
Report all incidents same day
Interview injured employees
Examine workplace factors
Determine root cause
Take corrective action
Serious injuries must be reported to Cal-OSHA within 8 hours per Cal-OSHA §342.
Hazard Evaluation & Training
Hazard Evaluation & Abatement
The Safety Representative reviews inspection reports and determines corrective actions. Serious hazards must be abated immediately, while non-serious hazards may be addressed over time with an action plan.
A serious hazard is a working condition where there is a probability "that death or a serious physical injury or illness could result from exposure to the hazard."
Safety & Health Training
Training is provided in the following situations:
For new employees upon hiring
When new substances, processes, or equipment are introduced
When new hazards are recognized
After accidents/exposures
When IIPP is updated
When required by regulations
Record Keeping & Maintenance
Record Keeping Procedures
Schools must maintain records of:
Inspections and investigations
Identified unsafe conditions
Corrective actions taken
Employee training documentation
Records should be maintained for at least one year from generation.
Regulatory Inspections
When a school is inspected by a regulatory agency:
Report the inspection to the Superintendent
Verify inspector credentials
Comply with applicable regulations
Review all documentation with Superintendent
IIPP Maintenance
The Superintendent is responsible for maintaining and revising the IIPP. Each school site is responsible for implementing safety plans under their jurisdiction.
COVID-19 Prevention Procedures
Authority & Responsibility
The Superintendent has overall authority for implementing COVID-19 prevention procedures, with managers and supervisors responsible for maintaining procedures in their work areas.
Prevention Controls
COVID-19 is treated as an airborne infectious disease with controls including:
Remote work options
Physical distancing
Reducing indoor population density
Moving tasks outdoors
Implementing separate shifts
Case Response
Procedures include:
Immediate exclusion of COVID-19 cases
Contact tracing and notification
Testing availability
Face covering requirements
COVID-19 Workplace Protocols
Cleaning & Disinfection
Routinely clean commonly touched objects
Use EPA-approved disinfectants
Provide disposable wipes for employees
Follow manufacturer instructions
Ensure adequate cleaning supplies
Ventilation Requirements
Maximize outside air supply
Use MERV-13 or higher filters
Deploy HEPA filtration units where needed
Maximize air flow in vehicles
Outbreak Procedures
When three or more cases occur within 14 days:
Provide testing to all exposed employees
Require face coverings for exposed group
Offer respirators for voluntary use
Investigate and review COVID-19 policies
Implement additional ventilation measures
For major outbreaks (20+ cases in 30 days), additional measures include twice-weekly testing and physical distancing requirements.
Safety Resources & Contacts
Reference Documents
Each school develops specific programs including Blood Borne Pathogens, Confined Space Entry, Emergency Plans, Hazard Communication, and more.
Key Contacts
Safety Director: Barbara Martinez
Facilities Director: Matt Kelly
District Office: (831) 646-6553
School Principals
Pacific Grove High School: Dr. Lito Garcia
Pacific Grove Middle School: Mr. Sean Roach
Robert Down Elementary: Mr. Sean Keller
Forest Grove Elementary: Ms. Irene Preciado
Employees are encouraged to report any suspected safety hazards to their supervisor, safety representative/coordinator and/or school management.