Oregon OSHA adopts emergency heat, smoke safety rules

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division announced Monday two emergency rules that would put in place protections against the hazards of wildfire smoke and safeguards against high heat in employer-provided housing. 

The measures are intended to increase protections for workers against the effects of climate change, the agency said.

The wildfire smoke rule covers various exposure controls, training and information, and other measures. The heat rule applies to occupants of housing provided by employers, requiring access to cooling areas and other steps to minimize dangerous heat in housing units, according to an Oregon OSHA statement.

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

The two temporary rules follow Oregon OSHA’s July 8 adoption of emergency requirements to prevent heat illness in outdoor and indoor workplaces.