What is Workers' Compensation?

California Workers' Compensation laws were designed by the State legislature in 1913 to assure that an employee who sustains a work-related injury or illness receives complete medical attention for the injury or illness, as well as financial and other support in returning to gainful work.

What are the Basic Legal Components of Workers' Compensation?

• Workers' Compensation is a NO FAULT system of compensation.

• Requirements for a compensable workers' compensation claim include:
  • An injury or diagnosable disease (as opposed to a mere exposure)
  • which arises out of the employment (AOE) and
  • which is incurred while the employee was performing duties within the course and scope of employment (COE).


• Workers' Compensation coverage is also provided for:
  • Cumulative trauma illness which develop over a period of time (e.g., repetitive motion or strain)
  • Aggravation of non-work related conditions

Who is Covered?

All Kern County employees and volunteers as defined by the Workers' Compensation Laws of California (Labor Code).

Who Should File for Workers' Compensation?

Any employee who feels that they have sustained a work-related injury or illness.

What Benefits are Provided by Workers' Compensation?

• Medical Treatment and Hospitalization – all reasonable and necessary care; no deductible, no co-payments
• Temporary Disability (TD) – wage loss benefits
• Permanent Disability (PD) – for a rate-able degree of residual disability
• Return to Work – to return to suitable, gainful employment
• Death Benefits – payment to surviving dependents if the industrial injury or illness materially leads to death

How is the Workers' Compensation Program Funded?

Workers' Compensation benefits at the County of Kern are funded through self-insurance, the cost of which is paid totally and directly by the County of Kern, as the employer. There is no insurance company that provides these benefits.

What County Department Coordinates the Workers' Compensation Program and Receives all Injury Reports?

County of Kern
Workers' Compensation Services
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
(661) 868-3875 fax

Who Authorizes all Medical Treatment and Processes all Workers' Compensation Benefits?

County of Kern
Workers' Compensation Services
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
(661) 868-3875 fax

What Forms Need to be Completed When Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim?

• Employee Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefits (DWC-1) (PDF)
• Employer's Report of Occupational Injury or Illness (5020) (PDF)

What Can I do as a Supervisor to Prevent Employee Injuries?

• Keep a safe working environment; assure good premises housekeeping. Encourage constructive employee input of safety concerns. Follow-up when such concerns are raised.
• Have ALL defective equipment and furnishings labeled, removed from service, repaired, or replaced.
• Include adherences to department health and safety requirements in employee job descriptions.
• Follow the County's Administrative Policies and Safety Prevention Tips consistently.