In addition to heat-related concerns, as described in this recent article, employers should consider the impact of wildfire smoke on employees who work outside. As drought conditions make wildfires inevitable across the western United States this summer, keep this predictable health hazard in mind after reading this statement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
"Each employer is responsible for the safety and health of its workers and for providing a safe and healthful workplace for its workers. Employers are required to protect workers from the anticipated hazards associated with the response and recovery operations for wildfires that workers are likely to conduct."
The first sentence clarifies every employer's responsibilities, while the second narrowly identifies employer requirements for work tasks associated with wildfires. Bottom line: If smoke impacts an employee who is working outside, it poses a health hazard, and employers must take action to protect workers' health. (Some states, including California, Oregon, and Washington, have specific employer requirements to protect employees from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers guidance on the harmful effects of exposure to hazards such as the fine particulates of wildfire smoke. Employees with certain health conditions are more likely to be adversely affected. Here are excerpts of NIOSH's recommendations for employers:
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Frequently monitor air quality conditions in the area by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) US Fire and Smoke Map or the state health department's air quality website (see list below).
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Relocate or reschedule work tasks to smoke-free or less smoky areas or times of the day.
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Reduce levels of physical activity, when possible, especially strenuous and heavy work.
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Require and encourage workers to take frequent breaks in places that are free from smoke.
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Limit the worker's smoke exposure by making accommodations for that worker to perform their duties indoors or in a location that reduces exposure to smoke, if possible.
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Provide PPE, such as KN95 facepiece respirators, when appropriate.
These state-specific wildfire smoke and air quality resources are useful for employers to monitor air conditions for employees working outside in these states:
Arizona
Colorado
Utah
New Mexico
Idaho
Wyoming
Employers Council members are welcome to contact us with questions.
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