In the midst of fire season, Cal/OSHA is urging employers in California to prioritize the safety of their workforce due to the dangerous levels of smoke from wildfires, which pose major health risks.
Employers in California must follow the Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard to safeguard workers from harmful effects. The standard is mandatory in workplaces without air filtration when the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 reaches 151 or higher. If there is wildfire smoke, employers must provide N95 respirators for voluntary use, and operations may need to be halted temporarily to protect workers. This applies to outdoor and indoor spaces exposed to unfiltered air. When the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 151, employers need to act quickly.
Employers in need of support should seek legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations and aid employers in developing proactive policies, crafting communication strategies, and ensuring that workers are adequately trained on the health implications of wildfire smoke exposure. For more information contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
This material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute legal advice. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500 for legal assistance near you. (photo credit: depositphotos.com).
