Aaron Corvin
Under Oregon OSHA requirements, employers must protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat and of wildfire smoke.
As the risk of heat illness increases this summer, and as the potential for big wildfire smoke events looms, Oregon OSHA urges employers to plan ahead, talk to their employees, and, if need be, refresh their knowledge of the requirements. Oregon OSHA offers free resources to help employers comply with requirements and to help workers understand their rights.
Heat illness prevention
Employers must implement protective measures, including adequate water, rest, shade, acclimatization (gradual adaptation to working in the heat), communication and training, and emergency plans. The rule applies to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index (apparent temperature) equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More provisions apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The requirements apply across industries, including where employers provide housing as a condition of employment. These free resources help you understand the key requirements:
Wildfire smoke
Training, communication, and exposure controls are among the keys to protecting workers against the harmful chemicals and tiny particles in wildfire smoke.
Oregon OSHA’s wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose workers are or will be exposed to hazardous levels of wildfire smoke. The tiny particles in wildfire smoke of most concern – and addressed in the rule – is the particulate matter with a diameter in micrometers of 2.5 or less, commonly referred to as PM2.5.
The rule’s protective measures include assessment and monitoring of air quality where workers are exposed; provision and documentation of employee training; implementation of two-way communication; use of engineering and administrative controls, such as relocation of workers to enclosed buildings or to outdoor locations where air quality is better, and work schedule changes to reduce exposures; and use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved filtering facepiece respirators.
These free resources help you understand the key requirements:
Oregon OSHA provides free and confidential consultations to employers to help them improve their programs and protect workers, including from heat illness and wildfire smoke. Oregon OSHA’s technical specialists help guide employers on how to apply rules to their workplaces.
Under Oregon OSHA requirements, employers must protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat and of wildfire smoke.
As the risk of heat illness increases this summer, and as the potential for big wildfire smoke events looms, Oregon OSHA urges employers to plan ahead, talk to their employees, and, if need be, refresh their knowledge of the requirements. Oregon OSHA offers free resources to help employers comply with requirements and to help workers understand their rights.
Heat illness prevention
Employers must implement protective measures, including adequate water, rest, shade, acclimatization (gradual adaptation to working in the heat), communication and training, and emergency plans. The rule applies to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index (apparent temperature) equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More provisions apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The requirements apply across industries, including where employers provide housing as a condition of employment. These free resources help you understand the key requirements:
- General workplaces – English/Spanish
- Employer-provided housing – English/Spanish
- Rest-break schedule options – English/Spanish
- Video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the heat rule.
Wildfire smoke
Training, communication, and exposure controls are among the keys to protecting workers against the harmful chemicals and tiny particles in wildfire smoke.
Oregon OSHA’s wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose workers are or will be exposed to hazardous levels of wildfire smoke. The tiny particles in wildfire smoke of most concern – and addressed in the rule – is the particulate matter with a diameter in micrometers of 2.5 or less, commonly referred to as PM2.5.
The rule’s protective measures include assessment and monitoring of air quality where workers are exposed; provision and documentation of employee training; implementation of two-way communication; use of engineering and administrative controls, such as relocation of workers to enclosed buildings or to outdoor locations where air quality is better, and work schedule changes to reduce exposures; and use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved filtering facepiece respirators.
These free resources help you understand the key requirements:
- Fact sheet covering the key requirements: English/Spanish
- Video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the wildfire smoke rule.
Oregon OSHA provides free and confidential consultations to employers to help them improve their programs and protect workers, including from heat illness and wildfire smoke. Oregon OSHA’s technical specialists help guide employers on how to apply rules to their workplaces.
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