New Permanent Heat Illness Prevention + Wildfire Smoke Exposure Rules
The Oregon Safety and Health Association (OSHA) has implemented new, permanent heat and wildfire smoke exposure rules that will go into effect later this month and impact all members of our industry. We want to take every step possible to ensure that our members are aware of these new rules. The information and links below provide information on how these rules will impact you.
OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention rules go into effect June 15, 2022. Wildfire Smoke Exposure rules go into effect July 1, 2022.
Heat Illness Prevention rules go into effect June 15, 2022. These rules require job site action when the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Employers must develop and implement exposure controls for their workers to actively prevent heat illness, encourage them to stay hydrated, and know how to respond to heat illness. These rules also require employers to provide provisions to keep their employees safe through practical means, such as providing effective shaded/cooling areas, auxiliary cooling equipment, cooled drinking water, and emergency response if necessary.
Wildfire Smoke Protection rules go into effect July 1, 2022. These rules go into effect when employees are, or will be, exposed to wildfire smoke where the air concentration equals or exceeds an AQI 101. Employers must develop and implement exposure controls for their workers to reduce their exposure to hazardous AQI/PM 2.5 levels and know how to respond to smoke exposure/inhalation if and when it occurs at their jobsites. These rules also require employers to provide provisions to keep their employees safe in the face of a smoky atmosphere, including providing NIOSH-approved masks and respirators, AQI measuring tools, and two-way communication tools.
OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention rules go into effect June 15, 2022. Wildfire Smoke Exposure rules go into effect July 1, 2022.
Heat Illness Prevention rules go into effect June 15, 2022. These rules require job site action when the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Employers must develop and implement exposure controls for their workers to actively prevent heat illness, encourage them to stay hydrated, and know how to respond to heat illness. These rules also require employers to provide provisions to keep their employees safe through practical means, such as providing effective shaded/cooling areas, auxiliary cooling equipment, cooled drinking water, and emergency response if necessary.
Wildfire Smoke Protection rules go into effect July 1, 2022. These rules go into effect when employees are, or will be, exposed to wildfire smoke where the air concentration equals or exceeds an AQI 101. Employers must develop and implement exposure controls for their workers to reduce their exposure to hazardous AQI/PM 2.5 levels and know how to respond to smoke exposure/inhalation if and when it occurs at their jobsites. These rules also require employers to provide provisions to keep their employees safe in the face of a smoky atmosphere, including providing NIOSH-approved masks and respirators, AQI measuring tools, and two-way communication tools.
key resources
Our affiliated state association, the Oregon Home Builders Association (OHBA), has developed a training program free to members, follow the link below to access free training materials:
Explore the links below for OSHA resource materials with all the current information needed to comply with these new rules:
- Click here for more information and access to OHBA’s free training programs regarding these rules.
Explore the links below for OSHA resource materials with all the current information needed to comply with these new rules:
