Tag: smoke

Back to Basics: Particulate Matter and Smoke Exposure

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine particulate matter pollution and the effects on human health and safety. Due to the recent wildfires and smoke on the East Coast and Canada, OSHA has urged employers to protect their […]

OSHA Urges Employers to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke

On June 9, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urged employers to protect outdoor workers from the hazards of poor air quality. “Wildfire smoke exposure can create major health hazards for outdoor workers. These hazards can be reduced with knowledge, safe work practices, and appropriate personal protective equipment,” Doug Parker, assistant secretary of labor […]

Agencies Warn Employers of Heat, Smoke Hazards

On July 7, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Atlanta regional office warned employers in the Southeast of the dangers of working in hot weather, both indoors and outdoors. The agency explained that incorporating water, rest, and shade into the workday can make the difference between ending it safely or suffering serious injuries or […]

California wildfire

Cal/OSHA Warns Employers of Wildfire Smoke Hazards

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) on July 13 reminded employers of their obligation to comply with the state’s protection from wildfire smoke standard, which requires employers to take steps such as moving work operations, modifying work schedules, or providing proper respiratory protection such as N95 respirators in the event of wildfires. There […]

COVID-19, Wildfire Smoke, and Ventilation

Are you prepared to fully reopen your facilities during an ongoing, if waning, pandemic and the threat of wildfires this summer? States and localities are rolling back pandemic precautions as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations roll out across the United States–President Biden pledged May 4 that 70 percent of American adults would receive at least […]

Respirator Fit Test

The Respiratory Protection Standard: From Dust to Smoke to Coronavirus

Nationwide, approximately 1.4 million workplaces provide at least some of their employees with respiratory protection. Studies indicate that at these workplaces, gaps exist in their written respiratory protection program, their understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, or the administration of the program. These gaps lead to issues in mandatory compliance or recommended […]