November 8, 2024 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Cal/OSHA urges Ventura County Employers to take necessary precautions to protect their workforce from the unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke, particularly in areas currently impacted by the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. The affected zones currently include Oxnard, Camarillo, and Santa Paula, though smoke may spread to surrounding regions. For the latest updates on the fire status, evacuation orders, and road closures, consult the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Key Compliance Measures Under Cal/OSHA’s Wildfire Smoke Standard
To ensure the safety of outdoor workers, Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard mandates specific measures when air quality deteriorates due to wildfire smoke.
Monitoring Air Quality
Employers must monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5—a critical measure of particulate matter in the air—before and during work shifts. If the AQI for PM2.5 reaches or exceeds 150, employers must provide N-95 respirators for voluntary use. When the AQI exceeds 500, respirator use becomes mandatory for all workers.
Air quality data can be accessed through resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website or regional air quality management district sites. Employers may also use approved devices to measure PM2.5 directly at the worksite, following Cal/OSHA’s protocols.
Additional Employer Responsibilities
Beyond monitoring air quality, employers should modify work practices to reduce smoke exposure and comply with training requirements outlined in Cal/OSHA’s standard. More information, including resources in multiple languages, can be found at WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and HumodeIncendios.org.
Workers’ Rights in Unsafe Conditions and Evacuation Zones
California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who refuse to work under unsafe conditions, such as in areas designated as evacuation zones due to wildfire hazards. Refer to Cal/OSHA’s “Worker Safety: Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Zones” fact sheet for more details on worker rights and wildfire safety protocols.
Resources for Employers and Employees
Cal/OSHA offers a variety of resources to help Ventura County employers (including other employers) and workers stay informed and safe during wildfire incidents, including:
- Protecting Workers Exposed to Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet
- Worker Safety: Wildfire and Evacuation Zones Infographic
- Training video Wildfire Smoke Safety
- CalFire incident tracking and resources
Cal/OSHA, part of California’s Department of Industrial Relations, provides free consultation services to help employers develop safer workplace practices and strengthen their wildfire smoke protection plans. Workers with questions or concerns about wildfire smoke exposure can call Cal/OSHA at 833-579-0927 for direct assistance. Confidential complaints related to workplace safety may be submitted to any Cal/OSHA district office.
Media Contact:
dir.ca.gov | (510) 286-1161
Employer Inquiries:
InfoCons@dir.ca.gov or your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office
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FAQs: About Cal/OSHA Wildfire Smoke Protection
What is Cal/OSHA wildfire smoke protection and when does it apply?
Cal/OSHA wildfire smoke protection applies when the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 reaches 151 or higher and employees are exposed to wildfire smoke. The rule ensures that employers monitor air quality, provide respirators, and adjust work practices to safeguard workers.
Which workplaces are exempt from Cal/OSHA wildfire smoke protection rules?
Indoor workplaces with mechanical air filtration systems and enclosed vehicles with properly maintained cabin filters are generally exempt—provided windows and doors remain closed to prevent smoke intrusion.
How should Ventura County employers monitor air quality under Cal/OSHA wildfire smoke protection?
Employers should check AQI levels using trusted resources such as the U.S. EPA’s AirNow.gov
or their local air quality district. Air monitoring must occur before and during each shift when wildfire smoke is present.
What respiratory protection obligations fall under Cal/OSHA wildfire smoke protection standards?
If AQI for PM2.5 is between 151 and 500, employers must offer N95 respirators for voluntary use. When AQI exceeds 500, respirator use becomes mandatory for all exposed employees.