Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Monitor Air Quality and Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke

ADVISORY

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: As multiple wildfires are burning in Northern, Central and Southern California, employers should monitor air quality for harmful wildfire smoke that can impact the health of their workers with little to no advance notice. Employers must keep workers safe with training on wildfire smoke hazards, by providing N-95 respirators for voluntary use and allowing workers to refuse work in unsafe conditions, including evacuation zones.

Cal/OSHA is reminding employers during the current wildfire season to monitor air quality and keep workers safe from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Unhealthy air quality can occur anywhere in the state on short notice during wildfires.

The Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard applies to most worksites where the air cannot be filtered and the Air Quality Index for PM2.5 is 151 or more due to wildfire smoke.

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.

To help employers prepare and assist their workers, Cal/OSHA has created an informational webpage with all of the requirements and free materials hosted on www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and www.HumodeIncendios.org.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs.

Workers who have questions about wildfire smoke hazards and protections can call 833-579-0927 to speak in English or Spanish with a Cal/OSHA representative Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.