Cal/OSHA urges employers to protect workers from smoke due to the Wolf, Juniper, and Lake Fires
Cal/OSHA is urging employers to take immediate steps to protect workers from exposure to unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke, as multiple active fires continue to affect air quality across Southern California. The Wolf, Juniper, and Lake Fires are producing hazardous smoke in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and may impact surrounding areas downwind.
These fires, among several currently burning across the state generate hazardous smoke that could impair worker health in affected areas.
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. Employers must monitor air quality, adjust work practices, and provide N-95 respirators for voluntary use. Cal/OSHA’s standard also outlines specific training requirements. Full details, including resources in both English and Spanish, can be found at www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and www.HumodeIncendios.org.
Monitoring air quality: When wildfire smoke might affect a worksite, employers must monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 before and throughout the work shift.
Where the AQI for PM2.5 is above 150, the employer must provide respirators to all workers and encourage workers to use respirators. Where the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, respirator use is required.
Air quality can be tracked through websites like the U.S. EPA’s AirNow or local air quality management district websites. Employers can also use their own instruments to measure PM2.5 at worksites per Cal/OSHA’s requirements. Evacuation Zones: In California, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers for refusing to work in unsafe conditions, including in evacuation zones. Read more in the fact sheet Worker Safety Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Zones.
Additional resources:
More resources for wildfire smoke safety:
- Protecting Workers Exposed to Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet
- Worker Safety: Wildfire and Evacuation Zones Infographic
- Training video Wildfire Smoke Safety
Refer to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) for the latest status on the fire, road closures and evacuation orders.
About Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California.
Workers in California are protected regardless of immigration status. Workers who have questions about safety and health in the workplace can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a live bilingual Cal/OSHA representative between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Cal/OSHA is a division of the California Department of Industrial Relations.