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Oregon OHSA has adopted emergency rules to protect workers against wildfire smoke and heat dangers in employer-provided housing.

鈥淭hese rules underscore our ongoing work to bolster Oregon’s ability to protect workers from extraordinary hazards that have been exacerbated by climate change,鈥� stated Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA. 鈥淲ildfire smoke and extreme heat continue to pose threats to our communities. Those threats are not going away. And that is why we must act.鈥�

The new rules require that employers make an effort, whenever feasible, to change work schedules or relocate outdoor workers when air quality levels reach 201, which is considered very unhealthy. If employees will be exposed to air levels above 201, employers must supply facepiece respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (such as N95 respirators) and ensure workers wear them.

Beginning Aug. 16, employers must ensure workers exposed to air pollution at level AQI 101, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, or above have been trained in the potential health effects of wildfire smoke, interpreting an air quality monitoring device and in emergency response procedures.

Both rules will take effect on Aug. 9 and remain in effect for 180 days.

Employers will also be required to block windows to keep housing units cool and offer fans at no cost when temperatures inside housing units exceed 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

The new rules also follow Oregon OHSA’s July 8 adoption of emergency requirements to prevent heat illness in outdoor and indoor workplaces.