As devastating wildfires continue to impact businesses, schools, and the community at large in Los Angeles County, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is reminding employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.
Several fires are impacting air quality in the region. Businesses and workers should refer to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) for the latest status on the fire, road closures, and evacuation orders.
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 to all workers 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 own 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.
Additional Resources
More resources for wildfire smoke safety:
- Protecting Workers Exposed to Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet
- Worker Safety: Wildfire and Evacuation Zones Infographic
- Training Video on Wildfire Smoke Safety
- CalFire Incident Tracking and Resources
Cal/OSHA within the Department of Industrial Relations helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs.