Cal/OSHA is reminding employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. Several fires are currently impacting air quality throughout Los Angeles County. Refer to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) for the latest status on the fire, road closures, and evacuation orders.
Currently, wildfire smoke is impacting many areas of Los Angeles County but could eventually spread even further.
What you need to know: Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard requires employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.
To protect workers, employers must monitor air quality, adjust work practices, and provide N-95 respirators for voluntary use. Cal/OSHA’s standard also outlines specific training requirements. Full details, including resources in both English and Spanish, can be found at www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and www.HumodeIncendios.org.
Monitoring air quality: When wildfire smoke might affect a worksite, employers must monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 before and throughout the work shift.
Where the AQI for PM2.5 is above 150, the employer must provide respirators and encourage workers to use respirators.
Where the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, respirator use is required.
Air quality can be tracked through websites like the U.S. EPA’s AirNow or local air quality management district websites. Employers can also use their instruments to measure PM2.5 at worksites per Cal/OSHA’s requirements.
Evacuation Zones: In California, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers for refusing to work in unsafe conditions, including in evacuation zones. Read more in the fact sheet Worker Safety Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Zones.
