With wildfires currently raging throughout California, Cal/OSHA is advising employers that special precautions should be taken to protect workers from hazards from wildfire smoke.
In a recent advisory, Cal/OSHA emphasizes how smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles in the air, which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma and other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.