Cal/OSHA Seeks New Standard for Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires are a common problem in The Golden State. California's dry, hot climate leaves it susceptible to wildfires. Last year alone, wildfires burned over 1.6 million acres of land in California while subsequently causing billions of dollars in property damage. In an effort to protect California workers from wildfire smoke-related injury and illness, Cal/OSHA is proposing a new standard.

Cal/OSHA to Host Public Meeting

On May 8, Cal/OSHA is expected to host a public meeting in which it will discuss the possibility of a new safety standard regarding wildfire smoke. During this meeting, Cal/OSHA will seek input from professionals and the public alike to determine whether to proceed with a new standard. The standard, of course, is designed to protect employers and workers from wildfire smoke-related injury and illness.

About the Proposed Standard

The new standard won't affect also instances of wildfire smoke, however. Rather, it will only take effect when the air quality index for particulate matter that's 2.5 micrometers or smaller is higher than 150 -- and a local smoke advisory must be in effect. If these conditions aren't met, Cal/OSHA's new standard won't apply.

Of course, the proposed standard could change. Being that there's still no official word on when or even if the standard will be implemented, Cal/OSHA may change some of its requirements. Nonetheless, the focus of Cal/OSHA's new standard is to protect employers and workers from injury and illness caused by wildfire smoke.

The Health Hazards of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke poses numerous risks to employers' and workers' health. According to the State of California's Department of Industrial Relations, the biggest hazard is the inhalation of chemicals and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory issues like asthma and poor lung function while also increasing the risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, some workers and employers have underlying lung or heart conditions that are worsened from the inhalation of wildfire smoke. To protect employers' and workers' from such health problems, Cal/OSHA is proposing a new safety standard.

Several factors affect the degree to which wildfire smoke affects a worker's or employee's health. The level of particulate matter in the smoke, for example, will affect the severity of inhalation. Wildfire smoke with a high level of particulate matter is more dangerous than wildfire smoke with a low level of particulate matter.