As Southern California experiences another round of devastating wildfires, employers must remain vigilant and comply with California’s wildfire smoke regulations to ensure the safety of their workforce. Wildfire smoke can degrade air quality across the state in a matter of hours, making it critical for businesses to prepare well in advance.
California’s wildfire smoke regulations apply to workplaces when the air quality index (AQI) reaches 151 (classified as “Unhealthy”) or higher, and when employees could be exposed to hazardous levels of smoke. This regulation applies not only to outdoor work environments but also to indoor spaces where air filtration is inadequate or doors and windows are open, such as warehouses, packing facilities, and distribution centers.
Employers are encouraged to monitor air quality regularly through these trusted websites:
- U.S. EPA AirNow website
- California Air Resources Board website
- Local air pollution control districts or local air quality management districts
Under these regulations, employers must implement several safety measures to protect their workers, including:
- Monitoring air quality through local AQI data.
- Maintaining open communication with employees regarding smoke exposure risks.
- Training workers on smoke-related safety protocols as outlined in Appendix B to Section 5141.1.
- Modifying work environments to minimize exposure to hazardous air.
- Providing respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators, when exposure to poor air quality is unavoidable.
If the particulate matter (PM2.5) AQI exceeds 500 due to wildfire smoke, employers must ensure that respirators are worn by employees and used correctly. In the absence of suitable protective equipment or the ability to relocate operations to safer locations, employers must halt work until air quality improves.
For added assistance, Cal/OSHA regularly updates a list of vendors offering N95 respirators, which employers can refer to for purchasing supplies.
Lastly, employers should also familiarize themselves with compensation requirements and labor laws related to wildfire events. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office offers FAQs addressing key employment issues when employees or work sites are impacted by wildfires.
By staying informed and proactive, employers can help safeguard their workforce from the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.
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