Workplaces

Wildfire Smoke May Become A Common Danger For Outdoor Workers

June 27, 2023

Orange skies may become much more common according to scientists at organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency, United States Geological Survey, and NASA.

What Is Happening?

Smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfed parts of Canada and the United States earlier this month in a thick, orange haze, causing a major decrease in air quality, leading to flight cancellations as well as health issues. The event made international news because of not only the number of people affected, but because of the rarity of the situation.

Scientists at National Geographic, among many others, however, warn that these events may become much more common in the near future as climate change drives an increase in wildfires. In 1983 when the World Health Organization began tracking wildfires, there were 18,229 worldwide wildfires. In 2022, they recorded 66,255.

Poor air quality can cause numerous health issues, especially for people who already have lung problems. According to the CDC, “tiny particles of partially burned materials” can enter the lungs and sometimes even reach the bloodstream. Exposure to these particles can result in heart, kidney, and lung disease.

In response to the rising number of recorded wildfires and prediction that poor air quality may soon be a more common occurrence, OSHA has suggested six ways in which employers can help protect their outdoor workers from poor air quality and wildfire smoke.

What Does OSHA Say?

Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are required by law to provide their employees with a place of employment that is “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” This also includes making sure that all employees have the proper tools needed to maintain that safe workplace.

State OSHAs in Washington, California, and Oregon already have wildfire smoke standards in place, but suggest that employers around the country can follow these six steps to better protect their outdoor employees.

1. Frequently monitor air quality conditions with tools such as EPA’s AirNow or other weather apps
2. Moving or rescheduling work-related tasks to smoke-free areas
3. Reducing levels of strenuous, physical activity
4. Requiring breaks in smoke-free areas
5. When possible, provide employees filtered air conditioning
6. Provide NIOSH-approved respirators or facemasks for voluntary use

The CDC also recommends avoiding dust or construction masks for protection as they are designed to catch much larger particles and won’t provide much protection. Instead, those who wish to wear a mask should wear a P100 mask, or an N95 mask, the same masks used during the pandemic.

Where Does Kokomo24/7® Come In?

Kokomo24/7® understands that every workplace faces its own unique set of health and safety needs. We also understand that with so many areas of compliance to keep track of such as safety, and privacy, it can sometimes be hard to manage all your compliance requirements.

Kokomo24/7®’s Incident Management software can simplify that job by streamlining the complex task of tracking workplace issues that must comply with OSHA standards. Because different states have different codes, Kokomo24/7®’s software is robust and highly configurable to meet your needs.

We can provide your organization with an easy-to-use software platform that simplifies the complicated but essential work of compliance, resulting in healthier and safer workplaces. Get the health and safety platform you need to navigate complex and changing circumstances and equip your workers with the technology tools they need to succeed.

Ever since Kokomo24/7® was founded in 2018, we have been a leader in compliance and risk management solutions for all things health and safety. Kokomo proudly serves workplaces, schools, and communities. Our mission is to deliver highly effective, easy-to-use, and trusted compliance and risk management solutions that bridge the gap between public safety and technology.

We help organizations implement their health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives. To get a free 15-minute consultation click the button below.