Regulation Aims to Protect California Workers Against Wildfire Smoke

摘要

In 2018, 7,600 wildfires burned nearly two million acres of California land. According to CDC, wildfires present many hazards to workers, even after fires are extinguished. These hazards include carbon monoxide poisoning, confined spaces, extreme heat and cold, hazardous materials, heavy equipment, musculoskeletal hazards, respiratory hazards, unstable structures and worker fatigue. Effective as of July 29, 2019, California Department of Industrial Relations Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has adopted an emergency regulation to protect workers from hazards associated with wildfire smoke. Effective for 1 year, the emergency regulation applies where the current air quality index for fine particulate matter is 151 or greater. Employers must provide protective measures, training and relevant information about smoke exposure to affected employees. The rule also requires employers to implement controls to reduce employee exposure such as relocating work to another location, reducing work intensity, providing additional rest breaks, providing respiratory protection or administrative controls.