Tag: wildfire smoke

Washington Heat, Smoke Rules Take Effect

Washington’s state outdoor heat exposure and wildfire smoke rules became effective June 15 and remain in effect through the end of September, the Department of Labor and Industries announced. The department has adopted emergency heat exposure requirements that include: Providing adequate shade (or alternatives) and water suitably cool for drinking; Encouraging and allowing workers to […]

Oregon Adds Permanent Heat, Smoke Standards

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) recently announced new permanent workplace safety and health standards for heat and wildfire smoke exposures. Oregon rules for heat illness prevention and agricultural labor housing take effect June 15. The wildfire smoke protection standard takes effect July 1. “As we enter what we expect will be […]

NAS IDs Regulatory Gaps in Respiratory Protection

The respiratory protection needs of many U.S. workers are not being met, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published February 10. Many independent contractors and self-employed and “gig” workers are not considered employees or employers and are not covered by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, […]

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 […]

Wildfire smoke in Washington state

Wildfire Smoke Rule in Development in Washington State

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries is developing a wildfire smoke standard. The department acknowledged receiving a petition to initiate a rulemaking for wildfire smoke exposures.

Wildfire smoke California

Where There’s Wildfire, There’s Smoke: Emergency Regulations in California Require Employers to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke

The destructive wildfires throughout California have resulted in the loss of life and property and are stretching the resources to fight them. As we progress into late summer and fall, the danger will continue. Everyone must take precautions and stay aware of weather conditions to prevent human-caused fires. This is also the time to ensure […]

Facemask in heat, summer work

Summer Hazards—Including COVID-19—Are in Full Swing

Employers now must address a host of summer workplace hazards while continuing to protect workers in an ongoing pandemic. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is widespread in most U.S. communities and considered a workplace hazard.