Business Details
49 Years
experience
Trusted Workers' Compensation Insurance for San Luis Obispo County Schools
Established in 1977, the Schools Insurance Program (SIPE) has dedicated over four decades to providing comprehensive workers' compensation insurance solutions for public schools in San Luis Obispo County. Our mission-driven approach combines self-insurance program administration with proactive risk management strategies, ensuring member school districts receive cost-effective coverage and expert support. Through a dedicated team of safety professionals, we deliver specialized services including ergonomic evaluations, industrial hygiene assessments, and customized safety training programs. Our partnership with Athens Administrators as a third-party claims administrator guarantees efficient claims processing while maintaining focus on injured employee care and return-to-work outcomes.With a governance structure led by a Board of Directors representing member districts, SIPE maintains accountability while advancing safety compliance through initiatives like the Risk Management Committee's research and development programs. Our no-charge safety resources, including over 100 online training courses and on-site consultation services, demonstrate our commitment to reducing workplace injuries through education and hazard prevention. The evolution from a Safety Officer role to an Executive Director-led organization reflects our growing capacity to address complex risk management challenges while maintaining our founding principle of serving public education employers and employees.
Services
Workers' Compensation
Safety Training
Environmental Services
Online Training
Industrial Hygiene
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of specialized experience in workers' compensation insurance for public schools
- Our team provides free safety training and loss control services to member districts
- We maintain a dedicated Risk Management Committee for ongoing safety program development
- Our ergonomic evaluation services help prevent workplace injuries at no additional charge
- We guarantee efficient claims administration through our partnership with Athens Administrators
Services
Workers' Compensation
SIPE provides comprehensive workers' compensation insurance coverage for public school districts in San Luis Obispo County. Our program includes claims management, medical care coordination, and return-to-work support for injured employees. With a self-insured retention level up to $750,000 per occurrence, we combine cost-effective coverage with expert administration through our partnership with Athens Administrators.
Safety Training
Our safety training programs combine online courses with in-person instruction to meet diverse educational needs. Services include compliance training, accident prevention workshops, and customized on-site sessions for school district staff. All training materials and programs focus on regulatory compliance and practical workplace safety implementation for educational environments.
Environmental Services
SIPE's environmental services address workplace health hazards through specialized assessments and consultations. Our team provides asbestos and lead inspections, indoor air quality evaluations, and hazardous waste management guidance. These services help schools maintain safe learning environments while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations affecting educational institutions.
Online Training
Our digital training platform offers over 100 safety courses accessible to authorized school employees. The program covers essential safety topics while providing flexible learning options. While not a complete safety solution, our online resources supplement district training efforts with foundational knowledge on workplace safety requirements specific to educational settings.
Industrial Hygiene
SIPE's industrial hygiene services focus on identifying and controlling workplace health hazards. We conduct scientific evaluations of potential occupational risks including noise exposure, radiation, and chemical hazards. Our team provides consultation on hazard communication programs and laboratory safety protocols to protect school staff from work-related illnesses.
People
Mike Bruffey
Executive Director
Executive Director Mike Bruffey leads SIPE's operations with over 25 years of experience in risk management and workers' compensation programs for educational institutions.
Cheryl Lunsford
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant Cheryl Lunsford coordinates administrative operations with 15+ years of supporting risk management programs for California public school districts.
Carissa Zaragoza
Coordinator of Industrial Hygiene
Industrial Hygiene Coordinator Carissa Zaragoza specializes in workplace health hazard assessments with expertise in environmental compliance for educational facilities.
Molly Hurst
Coordinator of Safety
Safety Coordinator Molly Hurst develops safety compliance programs and conducts workplace evaluations to prevent injuries across member school districts.
Questions
What school districts does SIPE serve?
SIPE serves all public school districts in San Luis Obispo County, including Cuesta College Community College District.
How do I report a workplace injury?
Immediately report injuries to your supervisor, complete the DWC-1 claim form, and contact 911 for emergencies requiring urgent medical care.
Does SIPE provide safety training?
Yes, we offer over 100 online safety courses and customized in-person training sessions for member district employees at no additional charge.
Who administers SIPE's insurance claims?
Athens Administrators serves as our third-party claims administrator, handling claims investigation, payment processing, and litigation management.
What environmental services are available?
We provide asbestos/lead inspections, indoor air quality evaluations, mold testing, and hazardous waste management consultations for member schools.
How is SIPE funded?
Member districts pay premiums based on experience modification factors, covering claims costs, administrative expenses, and excess insurance coverage.
