As wildfires across California become more frequent and intense, employers must keep in mind Cal/OSHA regulations aimed at safeguarding workers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
Following Cal/OSHA alerts and regulatory guidelines will assist in maintaining workplace safety, particularly in areas prone to poor air quality during wildfire events. Below are a few key points to assist in understanding and complying with California’s Wildfire Workplace Safety Regulations.
Applicability of the Wildfire Smoke Standard: California’s wildfire smoke standards apply to workplaces where the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 151 or higher, indicating unhealthy air quality. This standard is designed to protect employees who may be exposed to wildfire smoke, encompassing both outdoor and certain indoor settings. Employers in these areas must be vigilant and proactive in addressing air quality concerns to ensure the safety and health of their workforce.
Monitoring and Communications: Effective monitoring of air quality is a cornerstone of the wildfire smoke standard. Employers are required to regularly check local AQI levels using reliable sources such as the U.S. EPA AirNow website, the California Air Resources Board, and local air quality management districts. By staying informed about current air quality conditions, employers can make timely decisions impacting employees and the worksite.
Open communication with employees is also key. This includes communicating with workers about the current AQI and any potential health risks associated with wildfire smoke. Transparency across the organization helps employees understand the severity of the situation and the important measures being taken to protect them.
Employee Training: Training is also a critical component of the wildfire smoke standard. Employers must ensure that employees receive adequate training on the health effects of wildfire smokei. This training includes information on how to protect oneself, rights and protected afforded employees associated with seeking medical treatment related to injury or illness due to wildfire smoke exposure, and the proper use of respiratory protection.
Workplace Modifications: To minimize exposure to wildfire smoke employers must consider modify the workplace as needed. This may involve altering work schedules, relocating work to less affected areas, or implementing engineering controls such as ventilation systems. Taking these modification steps can reduce the concentration of harmful particles in the air, thereby lowering the risk to employees.
Furthermore, employers should provide proper respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators, for voluntary use. These respirators can significantly reduce inhalation of hazardous particles, offering an additional layer of protection for employees working in smoky conditions.
Mandatory Respirator Use: When the AQI for PM 2.5 particles exceeds 500, respirator use becomes mandatory. In such cases, employers must ensure that respirators are not only available but also used correctly by employees. Proper fit and usage are essential for the effectiveness of respirators, and employees should be trained on how to wear them properly.
Operational Adjustments: In situations where it is not feasible to relocate operations or if respiratory protection is unavailable, employers may need to temporarily halt work until air quality improves.
Resources and Support
To assist employers in complying with these regulations, Cal/OSHA provides a list of vendors offering N95 respirators. Additionally, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office has published FAQs addressing compensation and employment issues related to wildfires.
As wildfires persist in California, staying informed and prepared is crucial for managing workplace risk related to this unpredictable hazard. By adhering to these standards, employers can help lower the risks associated with the impacts of wildfire smoke and create a safer and healthier environment for their employees. Effective monitoring, communication, training, and workplace modifications are key strategies in mitigating the impacts of wildfire smoke on employee health.