Advisory: Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Unhealthy Air
September 24, 2024, San Bernardino — Cal/OSHA is reminding employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. Currently, the Line Fire is impacting air quality in areas around San Bernardino and Riverside.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard requires employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.
MONITOR THE AIR QUALITY: To protect workers, employers must monitor the air quality, modify work or provide N-95 respirators for voluntary use. There are specific training requirements detailed in Cal/OSHA’s standard. All of the requirements are posted in English and Spanish on www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and www.HumodeIncendios.org.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: When wildfire smoke might affect a worksite, employers must monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 before and throughout the work shift.
There are websites to track air quality including U.S. EPA’s AirNow or local air quality management district websites. Employers can also use their own instruments to measure PM2.5 at a worksite under Cal/OSHA’s requirements.
More resources for wildfire smoke safety:
Protecting Workers Exposed to Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet
Spanish fact sheet Chinese (simplified) fact sheet
Worker Safety: Wildfire and Evacuation Zones Infographic
Spanish infographic Chinese (simplified) infographic
Training video Wildfire Smoke Safety
CalFire incident tracking and resources
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services 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 with a Cal/OSHA representative. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov (510) 286-1161
Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: InfoCons@dir.ca.gov, or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office
