Oregon OSHA adopts emergency rules addressing wildfire smoke and extreme heat
On Aug. 2, Oregon OSHA released two emergency rules addressing wildfire smoke and heat dangers in employer-provided housing. The rules take effect Aug. 9 and will remain in effect for 180 days. The rules follow Oregon OSHA’s July 8 adoption of emergency requirements to prevent heat illness in all Oregon workplaces.
Wildfire smoke
This rule requires employers to provide workers with specific training, develop a system to communicate wildfire smoke hazards, and reduce employee exposure to wildfire smoke when it reaches unhealthy or hazardous levels. The rule applies to employers who have workers exposed to wildfire smoke. It kicks in when the air quality index reaches 101, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Heat protections in employer-provided housing
This rule specifies that workers living in employer-provided housing must have cooling areas available at specific temperatures, along with access to emergency services, training for employees and supervisors, and the display of an Oregon OSHA poster about the dangers of heat illness. These requirements are in addition to Oregon OSHA’s July 8 adoption of emergency requirements to prevent heat illness in all Oregon workplaces.
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