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Oregon OSHA is proposing rules that would strengthen protections for Oregon workers against health and safety hazards linked to the impacts of climate change: extreme heat and wildfire smoke. The rules would provide the strongest such protections in the nation.

The proposed heat illness prevention rule encompasses a variety of protective measures, including access to shade and cool water, work/rest schedules, information and training, and other preventive actions and plans. The proposed wildfire smoke rule includes an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication steps. Both rule proposals encompass protective measures for workers who rely on employer-provided housing, including as part of farm operations.

The heat illness prevention rule would apply to any workplace 鈥� outdoors and indoors 鈥� where heat dangers are caused by the weather and where the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It would exempt, for example, incidental heat exposures where an employee is not required to perform work for more than 15 minutes in any 60-minute period. The wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose employees are 鈥� or will be 鈥� exposed to wildfire smoke where the ambient air concentration for fine particulate matter (also known as PM2.5) equals or exceeds an聽 101, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with lung and heart problems, children younger than 18 and adults older than 65, pregnant women, and people with diabetes. Exemptions include, for example, enclosed buildings in which the air is filtered by a mechanical ventilation system and the employer ensures certain exterior openings are closed, except when it is necessary to briefly enter or exit.

Development of the rule proposals 鈥� which build on temporary emergency rules adopted in summer 2021 鈥� included extensive input and review by rule advisory committees, and employer and labor stakeholders. The rule development process also featured worker and community stakeholder listening sessions.

Oregon OSHA is seeking public input on the proposed rules in a variety of ways through mid-March. The proposed heat rule will have three virtual public hearings at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23; 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24; and 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25. The proposed wildfire smoke rule will have three virtual public hearings at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 2; 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3; and 10 a.m. Friday, March 4. Details on how to sign up for the hearings 鈥� as well as other options for making comments 鈥� are now available for heat at and wildfire at .

The division anticipates adopting the rules in April, ahead of the grow and wildfire seasons. The rulemaking efforts are part of Oregon鈥檚 larger and ongoing work 鈥� initiated by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown 鈥� to mitigate the impacts of climate change.