Cal/OSHA Urges Employers to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke in Los Angeles County
Cal/OSHA reminds employers to follow wildfire smoke safety regulations, as Los Angeles County experiences unhealthy air conditions.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 12, 2025
As wildfires impact air quality across Los Angeles County, Cal/OSHA has released a statement to remind employers of their responsibility to safeguard workers from unhealthy air conditions caused by wildfire smoke. The agency’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard outlines requirements to ensure worker safety during such events.
According to the statement, employers must monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at worksites and adjust practices accordingly. If the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 150, employers must provide N-95 respirators for voluntary use and encourage workers to use them. When the AQI surpasses 500, respirator use becomes mandatory.
Cal/OSHA emphasizes that air quality should be tracked throughout the work shift using resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website or local air quality management district platforms. Employers may also use their own equipment to measure PM2.5 levels, provided it meets Cal/OSHA’s requirements.
Los Angeles County employers are encouraged to stay updated on fire status, road closures, and evacuation orders through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Additionally, employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who refuse to work in unsafe conditions, including areas in evacuation zones.
More details are on the Cal/OSHA fact sheet covering wildfire smoke hazards.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.