Kennewick staff safety report shows injuries tied to student behavior; board asks for comparative data

Molly, the district staff safety presenter, gave the annual staff safety report for the 2024 calendar year, outlining training completion, claims frequency and the share of claims tied to student behavior.

Molly said the district maintains required safety training through Vector/Safe Schools and reported about 96–97% of employees completed required training on time. The report tracked claims and time‑loss cases, with the presenter noting that of 63 claims referenced for 2024, 20 were related to student behaviors: one nurse, seven teachers and 12 paraeducators.

The presentation emphasized prevention and return‑to‑work efforts, and Molly described coordination with nurse case managers, vocational counselors and medical providers. The district also tracks severity: the presentation showed some years with fewer claims but more time‑loss incidents, a trend Molly attributed in part to the way Labor & Industries treats municipalities and limits immediate light‑duty options.

Board members raised safety concerns and asked for more context. One director asked whether the district is an outlier; Molly and other board members agreed to request comparative data from the district’s third‑party administrator to see whether the rate of student‑behavior injuries is consistent with peer districts. Directors also requested that staff break down incidents by setting (elementary, middle, high school, special education) so the board can identify targeted prevention resources.

Ending: Molly said staff will follow up with additional comparison data and setting-level breakdowns to help the board determine targeted prevention and training actions.