OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Employees from CA Wildfire Smoke As a number of wildfires burn in California, OSHA reminds employers to be mindful of air quality regulations and protect employees from unhealthy wildfire smoke. Nov 01, 2019 The California OSHA is advising employer of the necessary steps to protect employees from harmful exposure to wildfire smoke and unhealthy air quality. The state’s protection from wildfire smoke standard applies to workplaces where the Air Quality Index (AQI) for fine particles in the air is 151 or greater and where workers be exposed to smoke from wildfires. When wildfire smoke is present at a worksite, employers must not only monitor the AQI, but they need to react accordingly. Employers can measure AQI particulate matter in the air, or the PM2.5, on the following websites, according to the Department of Industrial Relations in California news release: If the AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, employers must take the following steps to protect employees from harmful smoke: Communication: Inform employees of the AQI for PM2.5 and the protective measures available to them. Modifications: Implement modifications to the workplace, if feasible, to reduce exposure. Examples include providing enclosed structures or vehicles for employees to work in, where the air is filtered. Let's block ads! (Why?)