Washington to enforce emergency heat, wildfire smoke rules
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced that employers will be required to monitor temperatures and air quality throughout the summer and take steps to protect workers from heat and smoke hazards.
L&I on Wednesday filed emergency outdoor heat exposure and wildfire smoke rules to protect people working outside, such as farm and construction workers, roofers and road crews. The agency said the rules will be in effect from June 15 through the end of September.
“The record-setting heat wave last summer underscored the importance of protecting outdoor workers,” said Craig Blackwood, L&I’s assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety & Health, in a statement. “Add in the smoke from more frequent and devastating wildfires, which is a proven hazard, and it’s a recipe for danger every summer.”
The heat exposure rules are triggered when temperatures hit 89 degrees and require employers to provide workers with water, shade and cool-down breaks.
Employers must monitor temperatures and have a system in place, such as a mandatory buddy rule or regular check-in by phone, radio or other methods to catch signs of heat-related illness.
The wildfire smoke rules mandate that employers encourage workers to limit exposure by rescheduling, reducing work intensity or relocating to a facility where air is filtered when the air quality index is 69 or higher.
When the AQI is 101 or greater, employers must limit exposure to smoke when feasible. Among other things, they are required to provide respirators for those who are working.
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