ADVICE
Cal/OSHA reminds employers to protect workers from unhealthy air from wildfire smoke. The Palisades Fire is currently affecting air quality in the Pacific Palisades area. For updates on the fire, road closures and evacuation orders, contact the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Wildfire smoke is currently impacting the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles County, but could potentially spread to surrounding cities.
What you need to know: The Cal/OSHA Wildfire Smoke Protection standard requires employers to protect employees from unhealthy airborne wildfire smoke.
To protect workers, employers must monitor air quality, adjust work practices, and provide N-95 respirators for voluntary use. The Cal/OSHA standard also describes specific training requirements. For detailed information, including resources in English and Spanish, visit www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and www.HumodeIncendios.org.
Air quality monitoring: If wildfire smoke could affect a workplace, employers must monitor the air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5 before and throughout the work shift.
If the AQI for PM2.5 is above 150, the employer must provide respirators to all employees and encourage employees to use respirators.
If the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, the use of a respirator is required.
Air quality can be tracked through websites such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow or through local air quality management district websites. Employers may also use their own instruments to measure PM2.5 in workplaces, per Cal/OSHA requirements.
Evacuation Zones: In California, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who refuse to work in unsafe conditions, including in evacuation zones. Further information can be found in the information sheet on occupational safety during forest fires, smoke and evacuation zones.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Additional wildfire smoke prevention resources:
Cal/OSHA at the Department of Labor Relations helps protect workers from workplace health and safety risks in nearly every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA Advisory Services provides free, voluntary assistance to employers in improving their health and safety programs.
Workers with questions about wildfire smoke hazards and safety measures can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards may be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Media contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov (510) 286-1161
Employers who have questions about the requirements can contact: InfoCons@dir.ca.gov or call your local Cal/OSHA extension office