Last week, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board voted unanimously to extend the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Standard for another 90 days. This innovative, temporary regulation has been an important tool for California workers — it clarifies employer obligations and provides basic protections for workers who are exposed to the dangerous particulate matter in wildfire smoke.
With fire season fast approaching, we are urging Cal/OSHA to adopt a strong and effective permanent wildfire smoke standard. We’ve been organizing with labor unions, worker centers, environmental justice organizations, and legal aid providers to gather information about what is needed. As we work toward a permanent rule, Worksafe is committed to keeping the voices of impacted workers front and center. We are also working to make sure that domestic workers and day laborers are protected. Check out these two pieces from KALW Crosscurrents to learn more:
➡️ As California’s Wildfires Get Worse, Domestic Workers Fight For Protection
➡️ When Fires Burn Though Neighborhoods, Some Immigrants Workers Become First Responders
